OBSERVER Photo by Braden Carmen Dave Rowley shakes hands with Mayor Rudy Abersold after being sworn in as the newest Cassadaga Village Trustee.

CASSADAGA — Throughout his media career with WDOE radio, Dave Rowley did his best to steer clear of involving himself in politics. Instead, he focused on sharing everyone else’s stories with his audience.

Now that he is retired from a career in media, Rowley felt like now is the time to answer the call to become more involved. When Cassadaga Mayor Rudy Abersold reached out regarding an opening on the Village Board, Rowley decided, “Now, it is time to get to work.”

Rowley was appointed to the Cassadaga Village Board at its latest meeting. He fills the vacancy created by the resignation of longtime trustee Bill Astry. Rowley was sworn in by Annette McChesney, who served as Village Clerk for the final time at the meeting following her resignation two weeks prior.

“At the age of 64, this was not something I had anticipated or planned for,” Rowley said. He thanked the Board for appointing him, Mayor Abersold for inviting him, and especially, his wife, Cheryl, for supporting his decision. Rowley has been a resident of Cassadaga for 33 years.

“Our village is currently facing several challenges, but I am confident that a team-oriented approach will lead to positive outcomes,” Rowley said.

“We are fortunate to have many dedicated individuals and local businesses in our community. I am eager to collaborate with the mayor and my fellow trustees as we address these challenges together.”

Rowley will finish the year as a Village Trustee, while the seat will appear on the ballot in November for one more year to finish out the current term. The following year, the seat will be up for election again for a full four-year term.

Rowley had been serving on the Planning Board since he retired from WDOE. Although Rowley resigned from the Planning Board to accept his role as a trustee, Chairperson Nancy Wickmark left the meeting with as many Planning Board members as she had when she walked in. The Village Board appointed Randy Carlson to the Planning Board for a five-year term. Carlson was also sworn in by McChesney at her final meeting.

Abersold said in a statement on social media, a day after the appointments were approved, that “two very important additions were added to the administration.” He added, “Both gentlemen bring a plethora of knowledge to our team.”

During public comments, Wickmark also commended Abersold for how he ran his first meeting as Mayor two weeks prior. Abersold defeated Wickmark in the mayoral race, but Wickmark remains as Planning Board Chairperson.

“I commend Rudy for laying out all of the things that he’s planning for the village over the next four years. I’m hoping that people understand that if they don’t get accomplished, it’s because they are complex things,” Wickmark said.

Wickmark stated criticism on social media is often not fully informed regarding the process to getting things accomplished. She displayed a chart to more than a dozen residents in attendance to illustrate the general process of getting things done, and noted how encouraging it was to see the increase in attendance at the meetings.

“I’m hoping that this is a new age and a new trend that our community members … come to the meetings and they help to be part of the solution,” Wickmark said.

Former Village Trustee Cindy Flaherty also said during public comments, “We all need to work together. I love this village.”

Later in the meeting, Trustee Danna DuBois recognized McChesney for her service as Village Clerk and Flaherty for her efforts as a longtime Village Trustee. DuBois also gave thanks to Abersold and Trustee Jeff Frick for their efforts in the first few weeks of their time on the Village Board.

DuBois said, “It’s very refreshing to see the action taken by you two gentlemen in such a short period of time. The residents obviously took note of that. On behalf of everybody in the village, thank you.”