Incumbent Scott Corcoran and former Supervisor Alphonso “Al” Lanzetta are competing for Marlborough town supervisor, with both candidates stressing economic growth, fiscal responsibility and preservation of the town’s character.

Corcoran is campaigning on his administration’s record of infrastructure improvements, recreational investments and economic development. Lanzetta cites his 10 years as supervisor and is calling for responsible planning, public involvement and restored trust in local government.

Corcoran unseated Lanzetta in the Nov. 2, 2021, general election and took office Jan. 1, 2022. Last November, Corcoran was elected to a one-year term, setting up an even-year election under a state law that synchronizes local elections with state races.

Corcoran said Marlborough has made significant progress under a collaborative approach to government and investments in municipal facilities and services.

He cited completion of the new Community Center, improvements at Milton Landing, upgrades to the Highway and Water Department building and expanded recreational opportunities. His administration also extended advanced life support ambulance coverage from 15 hours a day to around-the-clock service.

Improvements at Milton Landing include expanded parking, fencing, landscaping, walkways and lighting. Corcoran also pointed to a 30-year agreement with American Cruise Lines to dock at the Milton Landing Pier, which he said will generate $40,000 in its first year, with annual increases of 3%.

Corcoran said the town has attracted significant private investment, including the Bayside condominium development, the Buttermilk Falls resort and hotel project, Dockside Orchard on the Hudson and the Marlboro Resort project. He said developers of those projects are investing more than $275 million in the community.

He also credited local farms, wineries and pick-your-own operations with strengthening the town’s agritourism industry.

Lanzetta acknowledged that projects begun during his tenure were continued and completed under Corcoran, specifically citing Milton Landing Park and the Community Center.

“As the previous supervisor, I appreciate that the many projects my administration started and received funding for were continued and completed by the new administration,” Lanzetta said.

He said the most important issue facing Marlborough is growing the tax base while maintaining the quality of life that attracts residents and businesses. Lanzetta said his previous administration controlled taxes while improving roads, expanding sidewalks, creating additional parking in the hamlets and obtaining grants for water and sewer improvements along the Route 9W corridor.

Lanzetta favors commercial development in areas where infrastructure already exists, rather than growth that could pressure agricultural lands and residential neighborhoods. He said the town’s comprehensive plan, updated with public participation during his tenure, would help protect Marlborough’s rural character if town officials follow it.

Both candidates named the cost of living and the need for a stronger tax base as major issues.

Corcoran called affordability the town’s most pressing challenge, citing rising housing, utility and grocery costs. He said his administration has updated building codes, streamlined planning procedures and sought commercial investment to spread the tax burden more broadly.

He also highlighted a recently adopted accessory dwelling unit law that allows qualifying residential properties of at least one acre to have detached housing units. Corcoran said the change could help families remain in Marlborough.

On municipal finances, Corcoran cited rising health insurance, fuel and legal expenses. He said health insurance costs rose 16.9% this year and fuel costs rose nearly 40%. His approach includes using reserve funds, limiting equipment purchases, seeking competitive suppliers, sharing services and pursuing grants and other revenue. He said public safety funding would remain a priority.

Lanzetta said expanding the commercial tax base is essential to keeping property taxes manageable while maintaining services. He pointed to his previous administration’s grants and infrastructure improvements and said businesses should be encouraged to locate in areas already served by roads, water and sewer, which would limit unnecessary costs.

The candidates agree Marlborough needs business investment but stressed the importance of managing its effects.

Corcoran supports updated zoning, design standards and improved communication between developers and town departments. His administration created “gateway meetings” for major projects, bringing together representatives of planning, public safety, engineering, highway and other departments before formal applications move forward. He said the process identifies problems earlier and saves time and money.

Corcoran also cited an ongoing upgrade of the Marlboro wastewater treatment plant that he said will increase flow capacity by 30%. He said federal and county grants and developer contributions are providing more than $2 million for wastewater improvements.

Lanzetta said the town must balance new development with protection of its hamlets and agricultural lands, with the comprehensive plan guiding where new businesses and housing are appropriate. He emphasized improving traffic flow, expanding sidewalks and creating safer routes for residents, especially young people, to walk and bike. He said cooperation among town, county and other elected officials is essential to securing funding.

The candidates differ on communication between Town Hall and residents.

Corcoran said his administration has expanded public access through website improvements, social media notifications, online municipal documents and livestreaming of Town Board and Planning Board meetings. He described his governing philosophy as team-oriented, drawing on 28 years of professional experience at IBM, GlobalFoundries and Onsemi. Involving department heads, board members, employees and residents produces better results, he said.

Lanzetta emphasized listening to residents, treating them respectfully and restoring confidence in local government.

“I believe everyone in this community deserves a fair shake,” Lanzetta said. “I don’t care if you were born here or just moved here, I am here to serve you.”

The choice for voters
Early voting is underway at the Marlborough Community Center, 1520 Route 9W, Marlboro, through November 1. Voting will also take place on Election Day, November 3 between the hours of 6 a.m, and 9 p.m.