Irwin, Book Together Seek Geneseo GOP Designation for Town Board Tonight

GENESEO – Two Geneseo residents are seeking the Republican nod for Town Council Thursday night.

Incumbent Roberta Irwin and Renee Book are running together for Town Council.

“It’s unusual to do in a caucus but I’d like to see Renee on the Board with me,” said Irwin.

Irwin has been a councilwoman for the past eight years.

“I feel it’s been a productive eight years,” said Irwin. “I have worked on every annual budget during that time period. I negotiated union contracts for our highway workers. I was in charge of the lifeguards and swimming area at Long Point Park for four years. We accomplished all-natural streambank remediation to extend the life and quality of streams feeding into the lake. I voted to protect the farmlands with our farmland protection plan, which  started in 2009. Currently, we’re working on the clean energy community program which could provide an up to $25,000 grant if we make some green energy updates. We’ve already secured $2,500. We worked with the Code Office and Town Clerk’s Office to make sure they have the resources they need. We’re working on our zoning for solar, and we’re working to keep taxes below the 2 percent cap.”

On the other hand, Book has never held office. She began a career at Gunlocke, then worked in Human Resources for a furniture manufacturing company, then got into real estate, where she has made her career for the past 14 years. She says she remains heavily involved in Catholic Charities and is Treasurer for Central Presbyterian Church in Geneseo.

“I think it’s important that fresh faces and fresh ideas arrive at the table,” said Book. “I live in Geneseo. I want to preserve the amazing quality of life in my community.”

They share several common goals and ideas.

“We’re not here for our personal gain or any one project,” said Irwin, with Book nodding along. “We believe that there is more to Geneseo than just Long Point and the lake. We want economic development. We want cautious, real growth that isn’t just businesses coming and leaving. As far as the Park goes, we want it to remain a quiet place that families can enjoy. We want to expand the playground, but not to the extent that some interest groups want.”

The caucus begins at 7 p.m. at the Livingston County Government Center, 6 Court Street, Geneseo.