Binghampton, NY -- Michael Vercolen wants you to know he thinks City of Binghamton employees need a living wage, Superfund sites should be cleaned up and the city needs its own power plant. That's why the 52-year-old adjunct history professor at Broome Community College is running for mayor on the Green Party ticket.
With only 134 registered Greens in the city and a mere $3,204.25 in his campaign war chest, even Vercolen admits his candidacy is a long shot. He faces incumbent Mayor Richard A. Bucci, who is seeking a third term and has already raised $130,325.60. And Councilman Eric Denk, D-3rd District, the third candidate, has raised $12,522.94.
While he can't afford to buy much advertising, Vercolen said he plans to take his message directly to the people. "Favorites don't always win. Truman beat Dewey," said Vercolen, who lives at 32 Earle Drive on the city's South Side.
This is Vercolen's first run for public office and only his third month as a Green Party member after being a lifelong Democrat.
"They have become just like the Republicans," he said of Democrats. "They don't try to protect poor people, working people or the planet."
City resident Patrick O'Neil donated $100 to his friend's campaign, even though he also plans to donate to Bucci's.
"I think Bucci and Mike and the general public benefit by having a campaign in which issues are discussed," O'Neil said.
One of Vercolen's key issues is a "living wage" of about $8 an hour for all city employees and those who work on major city contracts.
"People who put in a hard day's work deserve to make a decent living," he said.
Denk agreed, while Bucci said all full-time, permanent city employees already earn a living wage.
Vercolen also called for the city to form its own municipal electric company and produce its own power. Denk said that idea is worth exploring, while Bucci estimated that would take seven to 10 years and cost millions.
Vercolen said he is also concerned about two Superfund sites on the city's West Side: at 93 Main St. and the former American Cleaners site at 48-50 Walnut St. Both Denk and Bucci said they have pushed for cleaning up the sites. Bucci played host to the state Department of Environmental Conservation commissioner, who visited both sites this year.
A remedial investigation and feasibility study started at the American Cleaners site last year, while there is a clean-up plan for the other site.
By: Connie Nogas, Press and Sun Bulletin.
Contact: broomegreens@yahoo.com
