Cazenovia Voices Coalition - Village Meeting & County Survey

Hello, Cazenovia Voices Coalition,
​
Thank you for showing up and speaking out at the Village Board meeting last night!

And an extra round of gratitude to Village Trustee Jen Lutter, who showed true leadership and integrity.

Jen made two important motions that both passed unanimously:

1. A request that Madison County complete a formal zoning and site-plan review with the Village Board.
2. A request that the Town of Cazenovia do the same before moving forward.

​These actions may sound procedural, but they’re critical. They make it clear that even if the County or Town act as larger municipalities, our Village government and community are watching closely...and we will continue to speak up for local needs, transparency, and fair planning.

Jen’s motions are a reminder: our voices matter. 

A Clear Mandate from Cazenovia Voters
Yesterday, Cazenovia voters made their views on Sheriff leadership unmistakable. Thanks to Nancy Ries running to demonstrate his opposition.

Nearly half of Cazenovia voters opposed Sheriff Hood’s reelection, sending a strong message to local leaders: there is deep concern about the Sheriff’s power, his ICE 287(g) partnership, and what that represents in our community.

This is a serious mandate. Town & Village Boards must consider who they represent when welcoming ANY Sheriff operations here.
Here’s how the votes broke down across Cazenovia Town/Village Wards 1–6:

Ward 1
Sheriff Hood 94
Nancy Ries 42
% Ries Support 31%

Ward 2
Sheriff Hood 98
Nancy Ries 78
% Ries Support 44%

Ward 3
Sheriff Hood 96
Nancy Ries 71
% Ries Support 43%

Ward 4
Sheriff Hood 139
Nancy Ries 119
% Ries Support 46%

Ward 5
Sheriff Hood 84
Nancy Ries 82
% Ries Support 49%

Ward 6
Sheriff Hood 79
Nancy Ries 55
% Ries Support 41%

TOTAL 
Sheriff Hood 590
Nancy Ries 447
% Ries Support 43% overall
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Next Step: Speak Up Through the Madison County Tourism Survey
Madison County wants your input on tourism priorities...ironically, the survey features Cazenovia’s Albany Street for “vibrant tourism.”

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• Here is the link to the survey
• info@madisoncountytourism

At the end of the survey, there’s an open comment box. Use it to explain how the Reisman / Sigety purchase would harm Cazenovia’s tourism, economy, and community.

Here are a few ideas you can adapt:

• “Sheriff and Emergency Services offices in our downtown school zone will change the small-town warmth that draws visitors here.
• “Cazenovia’s tourism economy relies on walkability, safety, and a welcoming atmosphere for ALL, heavy law-enforcement presence will discourage visitors.”
• “Tourism and law enforcement facilities do not mix. Madison County should protect, not diminish, one of its strongest tourism assets.”

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Our coalition is growing every day—now more than 140 members and 530 signatures strong—and the message is clear:

• Cazenovia deserves thoughtful planning, local control, and leadership that protects our shared values.​

Stay engaged. Stay visible.