Democrats from the village and town of Tupper Lake gathered in the Aaron Maddox Hall Monday to nominate candidates for town supervisor, town councilman and village board. From left are John Quinn, Dean Lefebvre, Kathleen Lefebvre and Ron Lascala. (Enterprise photo — Aaron Cerbone)

TUPPER LAKE — Democrats from the village and town gathered Monday night to nominate the party’s candidates for several positions up for election this November.

In the village, two board trustee positions were up for grabs as well as the mayor’s office. Each of these positions has a two-year term.

Ronald LaScala was nominated by current fellow board trustee Clint Hollingsworth for another term on the village board.

LaScala wasn’t sure he would run again, but seeing the recent progress the board and the village have made, thought it was necessary to stay involved.

“I think the village board in recent months has really started to work together,” LaScala said.

Though he pointed out it is not an easy job to be in the public eye, he enjoys working for the benefit of the village and its taxpayers.

LaScala emphasized the need for the board to have people working for the community, and in his position on the board, focuses on setting realistic goals.

“I think Ron is one of the guys on the board that brings the tough situations to light,” Hollingsworth said. “It’s not easy for somebody to do that. It’s a lot easier to sometimes just let things go.”

Despite playing devil’s advocate by questioning and vetting ideas, LaScala spoke highly of the ambitions of the board and the members of both parties who he works with. He says they leave party lines at the door, focusing on what benefits Tupper Lake most.

With a long-term view and an appreciation for the work of department heads, LaScala is focused on the future and infrastructure of Tupper Lake.

No nominations were made for the position of village mayor.

In the town, two councilmen seats were open as well as the office of town supervisor. Each of these positions have a four-year term.

John Quinn was nominated for councilman by Rickey Dattola for another term on the board. Daniel “Boonie” Carmichael was also nominated for councilman by James Tebo.

“As the sole Democrat representing the people of Tupper Lake, I try to do my best,” Quinn said. “I think we are moving forward. I’ve developed a saying over the past few years that Tupper Lake is going to thrive despite itself.”

Kathleen Lefebvre was nominated for town supervisor by Dattola.

“I feel like I have the drive, the energy, the time to really put forth for this community,” Lefebvre said. “I feel the supervisor is a leader but also a listener.”

Lefebvre focused on economic development, noting that classmates visiting for Little WolfStock were concerned to see so many “for sale” signs, and mentioned she would like to see some changes at Sunmount.

“It’s in some ways not always a thankful job; at times it’s thankless,” chairman of the village Democrats Dean Lefebvre said. “People don’t do it for the thanks, they do it for the community.”

As Tupper Lake is in a time of change and growth, it looks to elect politicians, old and new, to guide the town and village forward.