The Town of Montgomery is attractive for many reasons. It is home for each of us and our neighbors. But it is also appealing to large corporations with no connection to our community. Especially those who need to distribute their products from large warehouses with proximity to interstate highways. It all makes sense—for the corporations. But haven’t we had enough? Enough of unnecessary tax breaks, a diminished landscape, more traffic, declining air quality?

True conservatives pride themselves on understanding a profitable deal, conserving money and getting government out of the way of productive business. Waywayanda offered tax abatements to Medline and at the end of that 10-year forgiveness period, what happened? Medline moved. And where did they go? To the Town of Montgomery for another round of tax incentives. How is that for “conservative” principles? How does it feel to drive by that monstrous warehouse when you exit the Village of Montgomery? Does knowing that Medline was given more tax breaks make you feel good? How ‘bout the summertime air quality index?

We need some change at our town board. Unrestrained growth is not healthy for our town, and everyone knows it. Projects seem to come in with a steamroller. Check the boxes and you’re in. At a time when the Orange County Industrial Development Agency (IDA) is being investigated—with potential criminal charges pending—shouldn’t we have some new, independent representation on our town board? Sticking with the status quo does not seem a good bet. Why should we expect different results with folks who have allowed so much warehouse development already?
There is a choice.

Susan Cockburn has demonstrated her commitment to our town over many years, has no past or present ties to outside interests or the OC IDA. She has years of experience in Environmental Engineering and understands the meaning of oversight and sensible growth. Susan is committed to a quality environment in our town. She founded Friends of Benedict Farm Park, something all residents, families and children can participate in.

Terms like “stability and continuity in governance” look good on paper, but more traffic and more corporate handouts do not make for stability or good governance. People want to live here. Let’s keep it that way. If we keep doing the same thing, we will get the same results. I urge my neighbors to vote for the independent party line—ROW E (Respect Montgomery), Susan Cockburn and Jeff Samerson, on election day.