Longtime Village of Owego Trustee Charles Plater has announced he will not run for re-election due to a change in residency.
Plater was running for a fifth term as a Second Ward Trustee, but recently learned that his new residence is actually about 35 feet across the border into the First Ward.
For that reason, Plater said he will be withdrawing from the upcoming election instead of challenging the rule.
Plater, who has also served as deputy mayor, said he plans on running for a First Ward seat in the next election year.
Here is Plater’s complete statement:
To my cherished fellow residents of the Village of Owego:
Before any rumor gets circulated by individuals who thrive on embellished stories… It is with a heavy heart that I must announce my withdrawal from the upcoming election in which I was running for a 5th term as Trustee of Owego. Reason being; last year due to a personal matter, I changed my residence. In doing so, I moved to a new address, which unbeknownst to me at the time, was outside of the boundary of my (2nd) Ward district. Although it is literally a mere 35 foot difference, it is still a rule that I must abide by being a Trustee. This past year, like the years I’ve served before, I was so focused on helping to keep my Village, and multiple departments running smoothly, in addition to dealing with a personal issue in my life, that I inadvertently overlooked the matter of being outside my elected Ward. I did not want to cost the Village money by challenging this rule. I also didn’t want the unnecessary controversy it would cause, and of course, I did not want this distraction to interfere with my fellow Trustee’s on-going duties. Instead, I chose to follow the rules. Therefore, I am withdrawing from the coming election.
I truly apologize for letting down anyone who looked forward to me serving another year. But, I thank those who I’ve already received signatures from.
On the bright side, now that I am officially in the 1st Ward, I plan on returning next election year to unseat the individual who used this tactic to rid me of my duties to the residents of my Village and the various departments I represent (OFD, OPD, DPW, EMS, etc.). Although it is common practice to use dirty politics to fit ones agenda, I chose not to stoop so low. If moving outside of my elected Ward is all that I am guilty of, I think I did pretty good keeping politically clean for 8 years. I know there are unfinished projects I am involved in around the Village that I want to see through to their final phase. That’s why I promise to be back…. That’s if you as a Village will welcome me back in office. I’m not going anywhere. I will be right here because I still believe “It Takes Village”.
Charles 3:16
