For those who I haven’t met, I’d like to introduce myself and to explain my dedication to Gardiner. I have enjoyed being Gardiner’s Town Supervisor for almost eight years; prior to being elected I was the secretary to three previous supervisors. A resident for forty-three years, I met my husband and raised my three children here. I graduated from SUNY New Paltz majoring in Political Science with Journalism and Speech Communication minors. I know how things work. I would respectfully like to ask for your vote for Supervisor on November 7.

In my four terms as supervisor much has been accomplished. I pride myself in the numerous infrastructure improvements made: Clove Road bridge replacement, sewer district improvements, resurfacing of the rail trail and a new pavilion and basketball court at Majestic Park. This was all done without raising taxes, but using existing reserve funds and grants. Working with Highway Superintendent Stiscia, the town’s truck fleet is up to date providing the necessary equipment to keep our roads safe. The NYS Comptroller’s Office recently scored Gardiner’s financial health at its highest level, indicating that there is no fiscal stress in Gardiner. As CFO, under my leadership $700,000 of our funds have been used to offset increases in taxes. Gardiner’s taxes have actually declined for the past three years. I plan to beef up our reserve funds to secure maintenance of our parks, town hall, transfer station and rail trail for future generations. Under my leadership the Comprehensive Plan was updated, a Natural Resource Inventory established, a Community Preservation Plan adopted to provide this funding to protect Open Space. We joined a Community Choice Aggregation program, completed greenhouse gas inventories and installed an EV Charging station. We are now updating our financial management system.

I believe elected officials should have open minds and a willingness to learn all sides of an issue before making decisions. As supervisor very difficult decisions need to be made: the cell tower, Lazy River campground and the Awosting Club are a few. The town board worked with residents addressing their concerns about the cell tower resulting in a stringent special use permit. Lazy River took years to resolve. Waivers were granted and residents were happy with the ban on amplified sound, and prohibition of any further development. At a recent board meeting, one of the neighbors most impacted by the campground thanked the town board for one of the best summers she had in years. The Awosting Club issue is something the town board is and has been working on for several years. We are close to resolving this matter. The Town Board has five voting members that must consider local, state and federal laws. More stringent laws may be required to protect the Town from out-of-control development.

Gardiner faces big challenges ahead; development pressures and code enforcement are two top priorities moving forward. I have always felt governing is about balance. How do you continue to provide services without increasing taxes, how do you address affordable housing while protecting the environment? How do you govern for everyone, not just those who voted for you? These are difficult decisions that need to be approached with an open mind and hard work. I assure you this will occur if I am re-elected.