Naples, NY – Residents of Naples Village will head to the polls on March 18th to elect a mayor and two trustees, shaping the direction of the small upstate Recent York community. The election features incumbent Mayor Brian Schenk seeking re-election, alongside trustee candidates Sean Sullivan and Jeff Shearing. The village, with a population of 942 according to World Population Review, faces familiar challenges for small towns – namely housing availability and economic development.
This year’s election is notable as Trustee Thomas Schwartz will not be seeking another term, opening up a seat on the four-member Village Board. Eligible voters can cast their ballots from noon to 9 p.m. At the Maxfield Hose Co. Fire House, located at 8181 Maxfield Road in Naples. Each position carries a two-year term, with the mayor receiving an annual salary of approximately $8,500 and trustees earning $4,300.
Candidates and Key Issues
Brian Schenk, first elected mayor in 2012, is running for re-election emphasizing the critical necessitate for increased housing options. “The number one issue facing the village is housing,” Schenk stated, adding that the lack of housing stock is a statewide problem impacting local economic activity and school enrollment. He proposes public-private partnerships to strategically increase housing, particularly for young families, arguing that infrastructure, housing, and employment are the “three most basic building blocks for a community.”
Sean Sullivan, currently serving as a trustee since 2019, as well prioritizes housing availability. Sullivan, who moved to Naples in 2011 from Pennsylvania and currently works as senior director of Clean Energy Policy &. Programs for Avangrid, points to the challenges facing small communities across upstate and Western New York – limited new construction, aging housing stock, and the rise of short-term rentals. He believes the village can encourage “smart development” and partner with regional agencies to expand attainable housing options, ensuring Naples remains a vibrant, year-round community.
Jeff Shearing, a 29-year resident of Naples and a 44-year resident of the area, is the newcomer in the race. Working as a territory sales manager for 5-Star Equipment, representing John Deere construction equipment, Shearing focuses on economic development and leveraging the ongoing sewer project to foster growth. He expressed a desire to see families establish themselves in the village and contribute to Naples Central School, while also highlighting the area’s abundant outdoor recreational opportunities, from streams and lakes to hiking and winter sports.
Village Finances and Board Structure
The Naples Village Board consists of four trustees and a mayor. The financial commitment for these positions reflects the scale of the village government, with the mayor’s salary set at approximately $8,500 annually and trustee salaries at $4,300. These figures underscore the largely civic-minded nature of local governance in Naples.
The election comes at a time of ongoing infrastructure projects, such as the phased sewer project, which Shearing believes presents opportunities for economic expansion. The candidates’ differing approaches to these challenges will be central to the decision facing Naples voters on March 18th.
As Naples residents prepare to vote, the focus remains on securing the village’s future through strategic development, addressing housing needs, and preserving the quality of life that defines this small upstate New York community. The outcome of this election will undoubtedly shape the village’s trajectory for the next two years and beyond.
Stay informed about local elections and community developments by following local news sources and engaging in civic discussions. Your voice matters in shaping the future of Naples Village.
