From left are Rudy Abersold with Jeff Frick.

CASSADAGA – Two lifelong residents of the village are announcing their candidacy for mayor and trustee in the general election on Nov. 4. Rudy Abersold is running for mayor, and Jeff Frick is campaigning for one of two open trustee seats. Both are official candidates on the election ballot.

Abersold has over 40 years of manufacturing experience with 33 years as a New York State Department of Labor Journeyman Toolmaker. During his career he was responsible for building and managing several projects in the manufacturing of automobile, aerospace and gas turbine production. He was a supervisor managing production goals, wages, and schedules for over 25 employees. He retired in June 2024 from McGard, LLC in Orchard Park.

Abersold has been an active archer for decades as a competitor both in the growth and promotion of the sport. He was recently named Assistant National Director of the Archery Shooters Association (ASA Archery), managing 355 clubs in 33 states. He served previously as the regional director, Eastern Region ASA Archery. Locally he is the president of Bear Lake Rod and Gun Club in Stockton and a member of the Chautauqua County Planning Board.

Jeff Frick retired from a successful career as Highway Maintenance Supervisor 1 for Chautauqua County. His duties included training coordinator for all shops throughout the county, and assisting the equipment coordinator in scheduling vehicle maintenance, and equipment moves. He served on the Labor Management Committee and as secretary for the Union CSEA local 509, where he also wrote grants benefiting all New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) shops in the county. He currently serves as the Republican Chairmen for the Town of Stockton and recently awarded the Jess Present Memorial Award which is the Chautauqua County Republican Party’s highest honor given.

Both are committed to the following campaign highlights:

— Create open, transparent communication between village leadership, residents and surrounding communities.

— Respectfully manage growth opportunities for the good of the village.

— Promote and support events that create economic and quality of life enhancements, sports, entertainment and family-oriented activities.

— Pursue attainable funding grants that have a direct impact on infrastructure, quality of life and economic development opportunities.

— Be trusted financial stewards ensuring that budgets and village assets are properly managed for the benefit and sustainability of all village residents.

— Protect the village’s roadways, utilities and water systems to ensure operation integrity and long-term sustainability.

— Attract young families to choose the village as a safe, fun and fulfilling place to live, raise a family, own a business or work remotely creating an optimum work life balance.

“We intend to raise the bar on all aspects of village leadership,” said Abersold. “It’s no secret that there have been negative views about how important economic and environmental issues have been managed by village leadership. We pledge open and transparent dialogue between elected leadership and all residents. People shouldn’t be afraid to attend village meetings because they fear how they will be treated or their voices not being heard.”

“Together we understand the importance of the public works projects underway needing rigorous management and oversight,” said Frick. “The current water initiative is a multi-million-dollar investment. It’s not acceptable that past projects like the beach bath house took years to complete and yet to be finished. The village deserves better management of its tax revenue, daily operations and financial accountability to residents. These projects are too important and cost too much to fail.”

The campaign team plans to host an open-house coffee gathering at 3 Lakes Cafe in Cassadaga on Friday, Oct. 17 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon and a second location to be announced. The purpose of the meetings will be to establish open lines of communication to identify and work on goals and objectives that benefit the economic vitality and spirit of the community.

Both Abersold and Frick previously served as Cassadaga Village Trustees and worked on the initial capital water project.

“Cassadaga might be a small village but the opportunities to instill vibrancy and enthusiasm back to the community are large. Our positions post-retirement allows us the time and energy required to move the village forward. Cassadaga will get better when we can all work together,” said Abersold.