23-07-2025
Independent Frederic Voss launches write-in campaign for Hornell mayor. Why he's running
An independent candidate has announced a write-in bid to be the next mayor of Hornell.
Reynolds Avenue resident Frederic W. Voss said in a July 19 statement that he is running as an independent write-in candidate for Hornell mayor "because I believe leadership should be earned not handed out in back rooms."
Voss said he has begun meeting with business owners, union leaders, and community members "who want something better for Hornell."
Voss is the second person to announce a 2025 mayoral run after Republican Mayor John Buckley launched a bid for a third term at a January rally at Union Square Park.
Buckley defeated independent candidate John Lewis in 2017 and was reelected in 2021 with around 65% of the vote running against Democrat Rich Argentieri.
Voss was raised in Canisteo and attended Hornell High School. With a background in business, computer science and serving in the military in the 1990s, Voss said he's "worn many hats" − including SCUBA instructor in Central America during the pandemic and wilderness survival, bushcraft and primitive skills instructor-in-training domestically.
He put that on pause this year to focus on his mayoral campaign, Voss said. He returned to Hornell to be closer to his family and now works in residential contracting and home repair, Voss said.
In his campaign introduction, Voss said current city leaders have focused on appearance over substance, and political preservation over service.
In a series of Facebook posts on his campaign page, Voss criticized how the city spent a $10 million state DRI award, saying it prioritized cosmetic improvements over foundational change, and he called the city's decision to opt out of marijuana dispensaries shortsighted and dictatorial.
"Decisions are made behind closed doors. Economic development is a buzzword, not a plan," Voss said. "Our young people lack opportunity, our adults lack venues, and our small businesses are being crushed under the weight of minimum order requirements and regulatory roadblocks."
More: How new Plant 4 is impacting Hornell workforce, Alstom's pursuit of rail contracts
Voss said he is introducing a "platform that doesn't just criticize, it builds."
Voss said one of his cornerstone initiatives is his proposal for a H.O.R.N.E.L.L. Cooperative Network (Helping Our Retailers Navigate Economic Logistics Locally). Voss said the program would allow the city to act as a bulk buyer and warehousing partner for small businesses, helping them "survive and thrive" against corporate competition.
"It's bold, it's doable, and it's designed with Hornell in mind," he said.
More: When 'CBS Mornings' segment on Hornell dessert chef Chris Lomax is airing: How to watch
In addition to the office of mayor, all ten seats on the Hornell Common Council are up for election this year.
The 2025 General Election is Nov. 4.
Email Neal Simon at nsimon@ To get unlimited access to the latest news, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
This article originally appeared on The Evening Tribune: Frederic Voss announces write-in campaign for Hornell mayor
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