Walden has a new deputy mayor. He’s Chris Batson, who was elected to the village board a year ago and who became the second in command to Mayor John Ramos at last week’s village board meeting.
“It’s my esteemed pleasure to appoint Trustee Chris Batson as my Deputy Mayor. He has expressed great interest in the village’s progression,” said Ramos. “And he’s a great mentor to, and yes, an old guy who can learn new tricks. So I thank you for stepping up. Thank you. And it will be great working together.”
Batson replaces Willie Carley as deputy mayor. Carley lost his bid for re-election last month and is no longer on the board.
A Walden resident since 2009, Barton brings a financial background to the position. He is currently the Director of Total Loss for Gap Inc, a position that he has held for 20 years. His corporate responsibilities include investigating financial losses while improving both systemic and procedural operating efficiencies to ensure maximum profitability in all operations across the globe.
Last week’s village board meeting also marked the debut of two new trustees: Liz Kyle and Bill Taylor. Both were elected in the March 19 election.
During the appointments of various village officials and employees, the board decided to table the appointment of a new village clerk for another time. Until then, Marisa Kraus will continue serving as the current village clerk.
“We have a long discussion and we’re going to table the appointment of the village clerk,” said Mayor John Ramos.
“As a result of tabling it, the position becomes vacant. The law in the State of New York is that when there’s a vacant position such as this, the current holder of that position remains in that position until such time as the vacancy is filled, there’s a holdover,” said David Donovan, the village’s attorney.
Village Manager John Revella declined to comment when asked why the board tabled this particular appointment.
Other appointments at the reorganization meeting included Jean Dean as village treasurer, Mary Ellen Matisse and Mel Wessenberg as village historians, John Thompson to the planning board, Brenda Adams to the zoning board of appeals, and Becky McNally to the village board of ethics.
The following were appointed police department chaplain: Reverend Jim Van Houten of Walden Baptist Church, Rev. Ani Kunga Chodron of Tsechen Kunchab Ling, Reverend James O ‘Connell of First Reformed Church, Cantor Nava Herzog of Congregation Beth Hillel, Gary Swinger of the Fox Hill Bruderhof, Rev. Nicole Hanley of St. Andrews Episcopal Church, Father Tom Colucci of Most Precious Blood and Pastor Willie Carley of the Tabernacle of Faith Christian Fellowship.
The board will continue to meet the first and third Tuesday of every month.