Reversing an earlier decision, Richmondville Supervisor John Barlow will seek re-election this fall.
Mr. Barlow was suffering from health problems and personal loss at the beginning of the year and said then he probably wouldn’t seek a second term.
Things have changed. His health improved, and Mr. Barlow said another likely candidate for the Republican line, Dick Lape, decided not to run.
Mr. Lape, a former councilman on the town board, confirmed that he originally planned to run, but business commitments forced him to bow out.
Suffering from diabetes, Mr. Barlow had his leg amputated in December.
Now, however, he feels better, and that combined with Mr. Lape’s decision changed his mind.
“This is the best I’ve felt in a long time,” Mr. Barlow said Friday. “I have a little problem with arthritis. . .it lets me know every day. But other than that, I feel fine.
“This is a 180-degree turn for me because of the circumstances.”
If elected, issues Mr. Barlow plans to tackle are a new town barn and municipal building.
“We’ve got some money saved up, and we’d like to build something,” he said. “We’ll get our plans together and see what the cost is.”
Coming up first, though, is the 2010 county budget.
“This is going to be a hard one,” Mr. Barlow said, referring to the economy, costs and declining tax revenue. “This will be one of the toughest we’ve faced.”
Even though he’s announced as a candidate, Republicans still have to hold their caucus; Mr. Barlow said one will be scheduled soon.
Also on the ballot will be councilmen and superintendent of highways.
Democrats will hold their town caucus 7pm Monday in the village municipal building.