Dan Buttermann has secured spots on both the Democratic and independent lines on the November ballot in the race for city of Oneonta mayor.
Buttermann announced his candidacy in February. Buttermann’s independent party is called “Better Oneonta,” according to a Monday, July 28 news release.
“This campaign is about every citizen of Oneonta, and the Better Oneonta party is my way of ensuring every voter, aside from political affiliation, can have their opportunity to participate in the campaign,” Buttermann said in a statement. “Between the Democratic nominating petition and the independent designating petition, we gathered almost 400 signatures from Oneonta citizens.”
Buttermann’s goal for community action is based on collaboration, the release stated.
“We need leadership that works to shape the best ideas by bringing people together to do it,” Buttermann said. “Our city has extraordinary opportunities ahead of us and we cannot succeed in realizing them without the collective effort from all community members. Just as a successful person will rightly point to the team supporting them, recognizing that success is not an individual accomplishment, so too is a community’s success – the result of leadership and initiative by many, not just a few.”
Buttermann said his immediate focus will be on the budget and fiscal stability, the release stated.
“My vision and long-term goal is for growth,” he said “Our city needs innovative strategies to expand housing options. The recent news to transform St. Mary’s School on Walnut Street into apartments for senior citizens is an example of the kind of initiative that will have long term benefits to our community.”
Buttermann recognizes progress will take time, the release stated.
“We cannot solve all of our challenges with one vote or one project, but each progressive step broadens our horizon and brings into view an inclusive, vibrant and growing community,” Buttermann said.
Since 2017, Buttermann has led the team organizing TEDxOneonta, which brings people together to hear inspiring ideas from the TEDx stage. The ideas range from farming and business development to leadership and community building. To date, more than 30 speakers have come from around the country and globe to share their big ideas. Cumulatively, the videos have received more than one million views, the release stated.
Buttermann serves as a commissioner for the city of Oneonta’s Civil Service Commission and is a board member for Opportunities for Otsego and the Oneonta Concert Association. He previously served on the Oneonta City School District’s Board of Education and the town of Oneonta Planning Board.
Buttermann graduated from the University of Arizona with a degree in clarinet performance, and later from Southern Methodist University with a Master of Business Administration degree.
He was named one of 20 under 40 by the Otsego County Chamber of Commerce in 2015 and the Freeman’s Journal, and received the 2023 Distinguished Alumni Award for Leadership Otsego.
Buttermann lives downtown with his wife, Ana Laura, and their three daughters, Malena, Layla and Nadia. Call 607-441-6199 or email buttermannformayor@gmail.com for information.