GUILFORD – In one of the few local races in this year’s election, two Mt. Upton men are vying for a single seat on the Guilford Town Council.

Incumbent Republican Michael Miles faces a challenger from within his own party for the town board seat to which he was appointed earlier this year. His opponent is Gary W. Schultes, a Republican running on an independent line titled, “Dairy Party.”

Miles, a Fire Protection Specialist for the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control, was appointed on Jan. 13 to fill out the remainder of George Seneck’s term on the board. Seneck resigned following his election as town supervisor.

A 29-year resident of the Town of Guilford, Miles is a member of Mt. Upton Volunteer Fire Department’s Borden Hose Company. He served as fire chief for 9 years, and as an assistant chief for 4.

After spending the past 10 months on the board, the Republican said he feels there is still much he can contribute to as a part of the town’s governing body.

“My experience at the state level gives me a unique view,” he said, explaining that he brings a host of different certifications and experience to the board. That knowledge has come in handy during his tenure on the board, particularly regarding the Guilford Lake dam project. He’s also applying his code backgrounds to the matter of cleaning up the town’s derelict structures.