ENDICOTT, N.Y. -- Residents in Endicott are calling on their mayor, John Bertoni to step up or step down.
The demand was addressed during the village board meeting Tuesday by a member of the business community.
This comes after Endicott lost its bid for a $10 million grant from the state to revitalize the downtown area. Watkins Glen was chosen instead.
Trustee members say everyone is working toward the goal of a better village. But, those opposing the mayor say he has fallen short of his duties.
"He's an absentee mayor. Washington Avenue looks a mess. We have weeds that are three feet high. We have debris blowing all over. It's almost as if everyone has kind of turned their backs,” said Micro Environmental Inc. Chairman and CEO Kyle Washington.
“We all love Endicott and we're trying to move forward. We disagree on how we're going to move forward, but we don't disagree that we need to move forward. I think if our communication skills were increased and we work with each other, we'll find success," said Larry Coppola, an Endicott trustee.
Bertoni was not available Tuesday night, but we have reached out to him for comment.
The next board meeting is scheduled for October 10.