BRUSHTON -- Three candidates are in the running to fill two seats on Brushton-Moira Central School Board.

The candidates are Robert Devins, Tracy Edwards-Warren and Gayle Martin.

Here are their answers to questions posed by the Press-Republican:

If elected to the School Board, what would you most like to accomplish?

Devins: "The thing I would most like to accomplish with the very tight financial times that are ahead of us -- I would like to maintain as many programs as possible, mostly from innovative new ideas, because with the possibility of cuts coming -- especially in the next year's school budget -- there were some initiatives that upset some of the local people, understandably.

"And through my 36 years of experience, I might have some input on maintaining programs."

Edwards-Warren: "I would like to, first off, continue some of the work that has been done. I think that there are things that our district has right, and an example of that would be our tax department, our sports programs and even our debate team.

"And, secondly, of course, I'd like to be able to balance the needs of the students with the needs of the taxpayers and see if we can't find some fiscally responsible ways to make sure that we're providing our kids with a good education but not overburdening the taxpayers."

Martin: "I'm working basically for the kids, but we've got to look at the tax levies and keeping the taxes down. I guess, since I've worked at the Treasurer's Office, I can see more now ... (how) hard it is for people to pay their taxes.

"So, that's a concern for me, but the kids -- we have to make sure we get a good education for the kids. If we have to cut other things -- we don't like to do it, but if we have to -- to make sure the education portion is there, that's the most important thing."

The district is raising taxes by 5 percent and eliminating a teaching position, cheerleading program and Odyssey of the Mind science team. What would you do to improve the financial outlook?

Devins: "I think we need to get all the community groups together and come up with some ideas. I think we have to do ... some brainstorming and come up with possibly some grants, possibly some extra funding from the state to save some of the programs that are lost.

"I feel it's crucial -- especially in a small community -- to maintain your academic setting to prepare your students for the future.

"And, also, I think it's very critical in a small community to maintain the extra-curricular program and the sports program. Quite frankly, there isn't much else to do."

Edwards-Warren: "I attended the board meeting last night, and one of the things that was discussed by parents was reinstating the sports booster program we had a few years ago when we were in much more dire straights.