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Clay Town Supervisor Damian Ulatowski announced he will not seek re-election in November, ending his long tenure as the leader of Onondaga County's largest town. Ulatowski, who was first appointed to the position in 2008, shared his decision to step down after nearly 20 years in office. The announcement comes shortly after the groundbreaking of the Micron Technology complex at White Pine Commerce Park, a significant development for the town.
Ulatowski, a Republican, has served on the town board since 2000 and was appointed supervisor in 2008 to fill the unexpired term of his predecessor, Jim Rowley. He won election to the position in 2009 and was re-elected eight times. "After almost 20 years at the helm, I think it’s time to pass the baton," Ulatowski told syracuse.com.
The Clay Republican Committee has endorsed Deputy Town Supervisor Joe Bick to run for the position in November. Meanwhile, the town’s Democratic Committee has not yet announced a candidate. The supervisor's role pays $85,284 annually.
Ulatowski, who will be 72 by the end of the year, expressed a desire to spend more time with his wife, Mary Ellen, though he did not rule out the possibility of running for a different political office in the future. He emphasized his pride in the accomplishments achieved during his tenure and hinted at the potential to apply his talents elsewhere.
As Clay prepares for the upcoming changes brought by the Micron Technology plant, Ulatowski's leadership has been pivotal in supporting the project. The plant, expected to be the largest memory chip manufacturing facility in the country, will bring significant economic growth to the area, with production slated to start in 2030.