Kellermann prevails in Deer Park

Deer Park voters Tuesday chose a different leadership philosophy for the road ahead.

Trustee Bob Kellermann ousted Village President Scott Gifford with about 62 percent of the vote. Unofficial results showed Kellerman with 524 votes and Gifford with 319.

Gifford and Kellermann disagreed on a number of issues during the campaign, in which they alternated in coming across as the more conservative candidate.

For instance, Gifford argued that Deer Park is in strong financial shape with reserves that have never dipped below $1 million, while Kellermann believed the village engaged in deficit spending through its purchase and refurbishment of the Vehe Farm.

On the other hand, Kellermann said actual numbers show Deer Park isn't being as severely affected by a downturn in sales tax revenue as national statistics suggest.

But Gifford believed that Kellermann's favored amount of spending on road improvements is unrealistic in the current recession and not what reserves should be used for.

Kellermann also suggested further public input was needed for the use of the barn at the Vehe Farm, while Gifford said the village is fulfilling a vision for the barn set years ago.