Sullivan County Townships

Town of Bethel

Supervisor

Robert Bonnaci, Sr. (Rep., Con.)

As your town councilman, I am asking for your support and your vote to elect me as your next town supervisor.

As many of you know, I have been involved with Bethel’s town government for the past eight years, four of which I spent serving the planning board and four on the town board. I have been involved for over 35 years with many organizations such as the local fire department, the Elks, Boy Scouts, little league, youth bowling and many sport and community activities.

Bethel is the fastest growing town in Sullivan County. Throughout the past eight years, we have brought forward planned growth, completely computerized the town hall and justice court and created a more efficient and better working environment for our town employees.

We are working to keep up and stay ahead of this rapid growth of private dwellings and fast moving economic development.

Many new businesses have been attracted to our community. As we plan for them, we have to preserve our agricultural community and protect open space for the next generation. I firmly believe that we can fit all of these different entities comfortably together in our community.

I am committed to maintain a solid financial condition to lower or stabilize our tax rates, protect and serve the residents, their property, and to be honest with the people.

Supervisor

Ira “Moose” Liff (Dem.)

Richard A. Morey (FG)

Town Clerk

Rita J. Sheehan (Rep., Con.)

I would like to thank the residents of the Town of Bethel for their continued support. In my six years of public service as Bethel town clerk, I have been dedicated to making our town government understandable by creating the Town of Bethel Government Directory, Planning Board Application Guide, Dog Rules and Regulations Guide and Town Clerk’s brochure.

I also created the Town of Bethel email newsletter, which is now received by over 500 residents (paper copies are available at the town hall). While keeping up with technology, most importantly, I have not forgotten to keep the residents’ best interests foremost by being personable and helpful.

I am currently working on my third records management grant. This brings my total amount to over $17,000 in competitive grant awards. Other projects I am working on include publishing the Bethel Code Book on-line, updating on-line forms, archival records room and grants research. My office is available after hours by appointment and I will be open on Saturday before hunting season from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. I look forward to the coming term of office and serving the needs of the residents. Thank you for this wonderful opportunity.

Town Councilman

Richard Crumley (Rep.)

Robert Blais (Dem., Con.)

Harold Russell (Rep., Con.)

I am 55 years old and a proud resident of Bethel. With my wife Lynn, I have successfully owned and operated Russell’s Dairy Farm for 28 years. As a businessman, I am very much aware of the importance of proper expenditure of funds and the monitoring of expenses.

I know the importance of a business plan and the need for reassessment as a business grows. I believe in setting goals and working hard to reach them. As a community, we will need to develop a vision to help Bethel achieve its goals.

Bethel is important to me. I have raised my three children here and am now watching them raise their families here. I have served six years as a board of education member for the JYCS School Board. This gave me additional insight on what our children both want and need for their education. Our board was able to help them develop their future while still working within a budget that the taxpayers could afford. Through my grandchildren, I remain involved in the education system and knowledgeable of today’s concerns.

I served six years on the Bethel Planning Board including five years as chairman. Before that, I served Bethel for eight years as a councilman. I have met and remained in touch with many residents of Bethel and have heard your concerns.

Our community needs a team of decision makers who can effectively guide the town through the delicate process of risk taking and growth. I have the experience, the knowledge and the desire to take on this task.

Daniel Sturm (Dem., WF)

I am seeking to become the next councilman in the Town of Bethel. I am a lifelong area resident, and I am asking for your support and consideration as we move forward to an important and exciting election in the town.

I am 40 years old and have been happily married for over 18 years. My wife and I have two girls who are both currently in the Monticello School District. I attended Monticello High School, and I have a BS in political science from SUNY New Paltz.

I have been successful in the hospitality management field for over 15 years and have extensive training in both leadership and communication. These skills are essential to perform well in the area of public service. As your next councilman, I will help shape, formulate and improve things in Bethel.

I will also work to attract businesses that are interested in moving to the Town of Bethel, and encourage smart, managed economic growth that protects the environment and the people who live here.

I am open and honest, reliable, available and accountable, and will provide Bethel with pro-active leadership and a clear vision for the future.

Highway Superintendent

Bernie Cohen (Rep)

My name is Bernie Cohen and I am running for Highway Superintendent in the Town of Bethel. I am a lifelong resident of Sullivan County and have lived in Bethel with my wife, Debbie, for 17 years.

I am uniquely qualified for the position of Highway Superintendent. For more than 40 years I have dealt with trucking, school bus and construction companies. I have had extensive experience with the repair, maintenance and operation of trucks, buses, and heavy construction equipment, including paving and road building equipment, and I am well versed in hydraulic repair and welding. I have trained and supervised people in this field and I hold a New York State Heavy Duty Inspection license.

I studied heavy duty truck and equipment repair in US Air Force Schools. I have administrative and budget experience and am familiar with every aspect of purchasing parts and equipment.

I am a past master of Monticello Masonic Lodge #532, a member of Monticello Elks Lodge #1544, and a member of American Legion Post #73 in Monticello. I am presently a commissioner in the Smallwood/Mongaup Valley Fire District and a Fire Police Officer in Smallwood.

I feel that my skills and know-how would be a tremendous asset to the Town of Bethel Highway Department. If elected, I will devote my full attention to the position of highway superintendent and be responsive to the needs of the community. I ask for your support on November 4.

Tax Collector

Debra S. Gabriel

My family and I were born and raised in Sullivan County, and I have lived in Bethel for the past 31 years. I am married to Daniel Gabriel, and we raised five children in the town.

Over the years, I have been involved in several different organizations. I was one of the original founding members of the town’s nursery school, president of Bethelites Home Extension, a Girl Scout Leader and I sat on the Jeffersonville-Youngsville Central School Board for nine years.

I was appointed to the Town of Bethel Tax Collector’s Office in December of 2002. With the knowledge I have of this office and my life experiences I would bring to this office I feel I am the right candidate for the Town of Bethel Tax Collector. There is no substitute for experience in being an effective and successful prosecutor.

Town of Cochecton

Supervisor

Salvatore B. Indelicato (Dem.)

I would like to thank all Cochecton residents who have afforded me the opportunity to serve as their supervisor. It has been a privilege and I have tried to do my best to serve everyone equally and fairly.

I was raised in Ulster County, a child of the Great Depression, and following my service in the United States Air Force, I spent the next 38 and a half years with the New York State Police. In 1992, I began my four-year term as town councilman, and since January 1, 1998, I have been Cochecton’s supervisor.

Returning your telephone calls has been my priority, and I have tried to answer all your questions. I have maintained a close oversight of the town’s finances, and over the first four years in office, investment earnings were increased by more than 100 percent (1997 earnings: $20,545.13; 2001 earnings: $48,053.29). With unprecedented low interest rates in 2002, we still earned $20,477.16.

Since taking office, we have paid up arrears to the Retirement System, IRS and state tax department and have created a modest fund balance (money kept for emergencies). I worked diligently to upgrade traffic controls at hazardous intersections, including the new traffic light at the Fosterdale four-corners. For just two of our projects, we obtained grants of $310,000.00 to upgrade the sewer system and $36,615.69 to repair and upgrade the town hall.

I look forward to addressing Cochecton’s future challenges and thank you for your continued support.

Joseph Manaseri (Rep.)

There comes a time, I feel, when new blood is needed instead of people looking for the easy way or rubber stamp-style politicians. I have seen the frustration of our residents who attend the Cochecton Town Board meetings, and for years their concerns have remained unresolved.

I feel I have the dedication and experience to truly be a representative of the people. From the beginning, it should be known that I am 100 percent against creating a public works commissioner, which is just another layer of government. The town board knows its responsibilities and members should be capable of handling them.

I am a town resident and a member of the planning board. I have been married to Dolores for 44 years and we have three children and five grandchildren. I retired in 1991.

I served as director of engineering for Marriott Corp., New York Hospital and Queensboro Community College for 32 years, where I supervised 120 workers and oversaw contracts, budgets and union dealings. I owned a snow-plowing business for 19 years and I am part owner of the Lakeview Cottages and Motel in Lake Huntington (formerly Dogan’s). I also served the town as highway superintendent.

My goals are to control spiraling taxes and fees that have been indiscriminately raised and cause hardship for homeowners and farmers. I would maximize use of town assets and property, including the Nearing Road property, and I would make decisions on a non-partisan, fiscally responsible basis.

I urge all residents to exercise the right to vote. Don’t let out-of-towners who leave the area and claim to still be residents decide the future of our town.

Town Councilman

Gary D. Maas (Rep.)

I have been a resident of the Town of Cochecton all my life. My wife and I just celebrated our 20th anniversary. Our two children, Michael and Heidi, graduated from Narrowsburg. In the past two years, l have attended most town board and planning board meetings so that I am aware of the recent concerns of our residents. As your councilman, I not only would listen to your concerns, I would also respond to them.

You can also depend on me to defend your right to vote for a highway superintendent. The residents of Cochecton defeated the proposition for the department of public works last year, and I do not think this issue needs to be revisited.

So in closing I want the residents to know that I will serve them to my utmost ability and I will remain diligent in my duties. On November 4, please exercise your right to vote.

Larry Richardson (Dem.)

The challenges facing this town are greater than ever. While we welcome development on our borders and encourage it within, the need to manage residential growth will be greater than anything we have experienced to date.

How to invite complementary businesses and yet maintain the character and beauty of the rolling fields, forested hills and the exceptional Delaware River area may be intimidating. We must educate ourselves as to what constitutes our responsibility and how to exercise it fairly.

In a town with no central offices, where officials work from their homes as best they can, maintaining services efficiently is difficult. Should the general tax-paying residents pay for services that benefit a few, or are fair and appropriate fees a more equitable approach? Holding taxes within reason, when new businesses are scarce and major taxpayers such as the utilities and the railroad have had their assessments reduced, requires objective evaluation of every expenditure.

In addition to my current role as a town councilman, my experiences as chairman of the Upper Delaware Council, vice-chairman of the town planning board, deputy supervisor of the town board, vice-chairman of the Upper Delaware Scenic Byway, treasurer of the Cochecton Preservation Society and director of the Fosterdale Cemetery Association have exposed me to the many issues facing the town and given me insight on how to best proceed.

Town Councilman

Sharron Cardone (Dem.)

Lisa Haas (Rep., Con.)

Highway Superintendent

George W. Blaso (Rep.)

I am 56-year old married resident of Lake Huntington. I have four children, one grandchild and one on the way. After working 27 years for the New York City Department of Sanitation, I retired.

I was responsible for overseeing workers to ensure the proper operation and maintenance of all equipment, including plows, salt spreaders, trucks, records, supply orders responsible budget management. I am part owner of Lakeview Cottages and Motel in Lake Huntington.

I am a member of the Cochecton Preservation Society, the Cochecton Volunteer Ambulance Corp, the National Rifle Association and Red Fox Hunting Club.

As highway superintendent, I would make sure our roads are safe at all times; snow plowing and sanding would be a priority. School buses and residents will always have the assurance of safety when traveling town roads. I will maintain all equipment so that it is available whenever needed. I will practice innovative management to ensure cost containment. I believe in open lines of communication for any residents’ concerns.

Brian DuBois (Dem., Con.)

Tax Collector

Linda Keesler (Rep., Con.)

Anna Sauer (Dem.)

Town of Delaware

Supervisor

Bradley W. Mallet (Rep., Con.)

I moved to the area in 1990 after serving in the United States Air Force. I live on Swiss Hill North Road in Jeffersonville with my loving and supportive wife, Jacki, and our three beautiful children, Richard, Rachael and Ryan.

The best way to improve your community is to represent the issues and ideas of the people you serve. I want to continue being a voice for the people that combines compassion and compromise to solve tough issues.

My service to the Town of Delaware began when I was appointed to the zoning board of appeals. I later became that board’s chairman. I then ran for an open seat on the town board, and I am now in the middle of my second term as a councilman. I have served on committees including the Upper Delaware Scenic Byway, telecommunications upgrade, health care and benefits, and I recently volunteered to serve on the town hall research committee.

As your councilman, I have searched out funding for area improvements such as new sidewalks for downtown Callicoon, structural improvements at the youth center ($50,000 grant), beautification projects in Kohlertown and Callicoon and fencing for the Callicoon Creek Park. I believe in the importance of providing adequate healthcare to area residents, which is why I have promoted funding for the Grover Hermann division of Catskill Regional Medical Center.

As town supervisor, I look forward to making town government more open, accountable and user friendly.

William Moran (Dem.)

It has been my privilege to serve the Town of Delaware as councilman for three years and supervisor for seven.

During my tenure as supervisor, the Callicoon Creek Park was established, sidewalk grants were obtained and flood control was addressed by installing a culvert under the Hamlet of Callicoon. A brook restoration project was completed in Kohlertown and a farmers’ market has been established at our town park.

I initiated a request in 1999 to the New York State Department of Transportation for guardrail replacement on Route 17B, and we now have new, safer guardrails.

We received a $163,000 senior citizen grant for our community center. The institution of a highway equipment replacement program resulted in replacement of six trucks, a backhoe and a loader without yearly increase in taxes.

As for the future, I will continue to serve all the residents of the town to make it a better place to live. I will continue to upgrade services when possible and keep our taxes at a minimum.

I am retired and have full time to devote to your needs. I have the maturity and experience necessary to provide the leadership to move the town into the future. I would like to see Delaware retain its cultural characteristics and remain the pristine, rural area that it is today.

Town Councilman

Arnold R. Baum (Rep.)

I’m an expressive, independent thinker who brings experience, character, vision, wit, wisdom and integrity to the office of councilman in the Town of Delaware. My viewpoint is always based on public needs and personal conscience, not political correctness. My past performance is positive proof that the welfare of the constituent is first and foremost in presenting ideas and formulating policy.

I entered military service as a United States Air Force Major and earned a Bronze Star, USAF Commendation Medal, Combat Infantry Badge and a New York State Conspicuous Service Cross.

I am a fourth generation native descendant of the Town of Delaware. My wife Patricia and I have two adult daughters, Valerie and Willow, alumnae of Delaware Valley Central School (DVSC). I graduated from DVSC and then earned a B.A. at Syracuse University and an M.S. at the University of Southern California.

I’m currently senior vice commander of V.F.W. Post 5808 Callicoon, treasurer of the Hortonville Cemetery Association and member of Delaware Valley Job Corp’s Citizens Resource Committee. I am a former board member and president of the DVSC Board of Education, a member of Sullivan County Industrial Development Agency and president of the Delaware State Federal Credit Union.

I’m a strong advocate of open and progressive government based on the democratic principle of free speech and rights to vote and bear arms. I will oppose the town’s Proposition #3, which would replace the three elected assessors with one board appointed sole assessor.

Town Councilman

Kevin T. Connors (Dem.)

James H. Scheutzow (Dem.)

Town of Fallsburg

Supervisor

Ruby Gold (Rep.)

Steven J. Levine (Dem., Con.)

Town Councilman

Kathleen Sullivan (Rep., Con.)

As a member of the Fallsburg Town Board, I will work hard and responsibly to serve the town and safeguard the future. Every part of Fallsburg is going through revitalization. Integrity, financial savvy and innovation are needed to meet the demands of changing times.

I am a member of the Hurleyville Emergency Relief Squad, and I serve as secretary and treasurer of the Hurleyville Board of Fire Commissioners. I am an active member of the Hurleyville Sullivan First group, which is part of Sullivan Renaissance, a countywide community project.

My commitment to my belief in the economic development of the Town of Fallsburg prompted me to open Izzy’s Aunt on Main Street in Hurleyville in 2000. I work at the Catskill Regional Medical Center in Harris in public relations, complementary medicine and health promotion.

I graduated from St. John’s University in Jamaica, NY with a B.A. My educational background, professional experience and participation in community activities have helped me acquire important abilities in management, communication, budget planning, budget management and analysis of data. These skills, combined with my creativity and my dedication to the Town of Fallsburg, will enable me to make a significant contribution to the ongoing improvement of the town as a place to live, visit and do business.

Town Councilman

Robert Leventoff (Rep.)

Ann Prusinski (Dem.)

Arnold Seletsky (Dem.)

Town of Fremont

Town Councilman

George E. Conklin, III (Rep.)

I would like to thank The River Reporter for allowing all candidates to introduce themselves prior to Election Day.

Having lived in the area for 31 years, I have a true and vested interest in the Town of Fremont. I have been an active volunteer with the local ambulance corp as a trained emergency medical technician for more than 12 years and an active firefighter of the North Branch Volunteer Fire Department for 15 years where I am the elected chief.

I graduated from the former Delaware Valley Central School, and I began my own business shortly thereafter. I have made my home in Fremont and care immensely about this community as a homeowner and concerned citizen. I believe the best way to better your community is to listen to the ideas of the people and represent the issues that mean the most to them.

I am young, energetic and eager to work for everyone and for the betterment of the Fremont. My honesty, reliability and genuine compassion will provide the town with positive growth and a clear vision for the future.

Let your voice be heard on Election Day. It is imperative that we utilize our right to vote. Please don’t hesitate to contact me to discuss any of your ideas and concerns involving our township.

Onofrio “Chuck” Papa (Dem.)

I am a semi-retired businessman living in Callicoon Center in the Town of Fremont.

I represent the Office of the Aging Council and the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) Council.

I have owned a home in Callicoon Center for 14 years and have been a full-time resident for over six years.

In addition to my volunteer work, my wife Joan is a volunteer at the Jeffersonville Branch of the Western Sullivan Public Library.

I take pride in my community, and as a full-time resident I will continue to volunteer. As councilman, I will strive to make The Town of Fremont a better place for us to live and work.

A vote for Chuck Papa is a vote for a better tomorrow.

Town Councilman

John Hubert (Rep.)

Robert Theadore (Dem.)

Highway Superintendent

Brian Gebelein (Rep.)

Martin Meyer (Dem.)

Town of Highland

Supervisor

Stephen H. Barnes (Con.)

I was born in 1946 at Minisink Ford and grew up in a close-knit family and community atmosphere. I attended Eldred Central School, served as student body president my senior year and graduated in 1966.

After graduation, I became a mobile and modular homes salesman and did collections and repossessions for banks and lending institutions.

In the early stages of my sales career, I met my wife, MaryAnn. We have two children, Norman and Robin, as well as three grandchildren. During the 1980s and 1990s, Mary Ann and I enjoyed housing and mentoring several other youngsters.

In 1982, I opened and have since operated Minisink Ford Auto Sales. While self-employed, I helped establish the Allentown Auto Auction and was appointed public relations manager and sales consultant.

While still operating Minisink Ford Auto Sales, I am helping to establish an auto retail auction in northeastern Pennsylvania.

Now that our community has been rediscovered, I would like to help build the political and social road. Insight, understanding, listening and learning must be part of this process. As a township and community, we can do this and you can help.

My favorite slogan is, “It’s a recession when you lose your job, it’s a depression when I lose mine.” My favorite quote is, “To know is nothing, to imagine is everything.”

Allan Schadt (Dem.)

For the past 14 years, I have served on the Highland Town Board. As many of you know, I put in the hours to do the job. This year, I am seeking your support for a fifth term as town supervisor.

My accomplishments including obtaining grants to rewrite the town’s management plan as well as zoning, logging, boating, adult entertainment, parking, and subdivision laws. By doing this, we have increased new home development and raised the tax base by $32 million.

As finance officer of the town, I have secured funds to buy new equipment for the highway and constable departments and renovate town buildings. I also worked with Sheriff Hogue for a sheriff substation in Eldred.

I worked with Eldred Central School to obtain a certified school district, which means no longer having the swing of 15 to 20 percent in equalization rates.

I am also working with the school to build a combined school bus garage and town highway shop to save taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars.

I formed a committee to investigate the need of a town park. Part of this study is to find out what type of park the people want and where it should go.

There is still much to do in the town and with your help and vote I will continue to serve you as supervisor.

Town Councilman

Marsha Hunter (Dem., Con.)

A long-time area resident, I now live in Barryville. Many of your concerns are the same as mine. Paramount among them is the never-ending higher spiral of taxes. I am determined to try and end this yearly fiasco.

My husband Steve and I have both been active in town government and the school district for over seven years. Our son, Seth, graduated from Eldred Central School in 1998, and he is now a veterinary science graduate student.

Endorsed by both the Democratic and Conservative Parties, I have also formed the Penny Pincher Party to garner further support against higher taxes. I believe that with common sense, a fresh outlook and new ideas, our local government can be kept from becoming a runaway train.

I believe that our quality of life must never be given up, but tempered with progress—a happy medium can be reached. We must look to the future but preserve our past.

It would be a great honor for me to be given the opportunity to serve our community as councilman. I pledge responsible growth with new ideas for our local government.

Rose Paolini (Rep.)

I am a 20-year resident of the Town of Highland, and I reside in the Hamlet of Yulan with my husband Timmy and our daughter Gabriella.

I have been instrumental in raising funds for the poor and needy of our town. I did a five-and-a-half month relief effort for the victims of Hurricane Mitch in Honduras and was honored with a congressional award. I have served as a lay catechist, Eucharistic Minister and religious educator for eight years at Saint Ann’s R.C. Church in Shohola. I was honored for this with the Saint John Newman Award.

I have been a member of the Yulan Fire Department since April 10, 1989, and I was a member of the Shohola Fire Department for six years. I have been a 4-H club leader since 1999, the first two years of which I ran the largest 4-H club in Sullivan County. I presently work as a substitute teacher’s aid in the Eldred Central School District. I also run two nutrition sites for the Sullivan County Office of the Aging.

I want to continue to serve the town to the best of my ability. Sullivan County is growing and the impact of its growth will be significant. Decisions will have to be made that will affect our children and mature generations.

My phone number is 845/557-6192.

Andrew Valenti (Rep., Con.)

I’d like to have your vote because I believe that I possess skills and experience that will allow me to make material contributions to the operation of the Highland Town Board.

I acquired management expertise as an associate director of a major department within the State University of New York system and as president of the Auxiliary Police Brethren Association.

I obtained communication skills as director of public information for the Office of Civil Preparedness.

I gained financial knowledge as a registered representative. I specialize in retirement accounts and am registered not only in the tri-state area but also in the major retirement states of Florida and Nevada. I have also held a license for insurance products.

I demonstrated creativity and original thinking by obtaining four United States patents.

I proved community responsibility by serving as the secretary and treasurer of the Eldred Rod and Gun Club, and I am currently privileged to be the treasurer of the Knights of Columbus in Yulan. Additionally, I’ve served almost fifteen years with the Auxiliary Police.

The Township of Highland is uniquely blessed and charged with responsibility. We must be alert not to destroy what we are and what we have been blessed with under the false banner of progress. Change is only that, change. However, progress is the result of intelligent selective decisions toward a defined goal.

Paul G. Zimmermann (Dem.)

It has been my honor to serve the people of the Town of Highland as councilman for the last four years. In my role as chairman of the insurance department, I have procured the best coverage at the best price for our town and its employees and will continue to do so if reelected.

Highland has several building projects planned for future development, such as the highway garage and recreation area. Serving on the building committee, as a retiree I am available to oversee its progress.

During my term in office, I have learned much about town budgeting. The need for the town to provide adequate funds for services to keep our roads and highways repaired and clean, security for our community and support for volunteer organizations such as the ambulance corps and volunteer fire departments must be balanced with keeping taxes affordable for residents.

It would be my privilege to be your councilman for another term. If reelected, I pledge to serve you to the best of my ability.

Highway Superintendent

Norman W. Sutherland (Dem., Rep., Con.)

I have lived in the Town of Highland for most of my 57 years and I am a graduate of Eldred Central School. I served in the 25th Infantry Division in Viet Nam. I am married and have two sons who are both in college.

I have worked for the highway department for 30 years and served as deputy superintendent for 25 years. Last January, the town board appointed me superintendent when the opening occurred. I wish to continue to serve the people of Highland and will maintain the roads to the best of my ability.

Town of Tusten

Supervisor

Ben Johnson (Rep.)

I am a resident of the Town of Tusten and am introducing myself as a candidate for Town of Tusten supervisor.

I am married to Kathleen Hankins and have two sons, Ben and John. I have been a lifelong resident of Sullivan County.

I recently concluded a 20-year career in law enforcement that included 19 years with the New York State Police. During 18 of those years I served as a trooper along the Delaware River and was assigned to the Narrowsburg barracks. My position was member-in-charge.

My career in the state police has allowed me to work with various officials on different projects within the river valley. I believe that my state police training will assist me in the job of supervisor. I bring with me organizational skills and the ability to multi-task and deal with people and their concerns.

Since my retirement, I have worked with my wife and her family at Narrowsburg Motor Sales, a three-generation business.

My desire to continue to serve the residents of Tusten is my driving force to be elected. From river to ridgeline, our town faces many issues. I have the time and ability to assist in these and other issues that will allow Tusten to continue on the prosperous path it is currently on.

Rita Macrini (Write-in)

Sir Winston Churchill said, “Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak. Courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.”

Every candidate should have an opponent so that every voter has a choice. I am not a politician, but an average citizen who believes that the public’s participation in all matters affecting the community should be encouraged. I consider myself to be a person of integrity. I am open, honest, hard working, reliable, available and accountable. I have been a member of the Tusten Zoning Board of Appeals for 10 years and have a diversified background of paralegal and managerial skills.

With community support and input, we can address Tusten’s challenges, which include finding new ways to promote tourism, applying for grant money to build town welcome center along Route 97, finding new avenues to revitalize our business district while maintaining its charm and cultural characteristics, inviting new small businesses to the area to stimulate the economy, looking into shared-service agreements with neighboring towns to pool resources and cut costs, looking into the town’s snow removal on county roads to bring in revenue, maintaining a close oversight of finances with monthly review of departmental expenditures and reviewing current town policies for possible revision.

To vote for me, look above the column for town supervisor, slide the window open and write Rita Macrini. Alone we can do so little but together we can do so much.

Highway Superintendent

George Kinch (Rep.)

I believe that I have the motivation and experience to be your next highway superintendent.

I am a lifelong resident of Sullivan County and a graduate of Narrowsburg Central School. I have worked for the Town of Tusten Highway Department for the last 10 years. I have been foreman for 7 of those years, and I am now the deputy highway superintendent, so I am familiar with the roles and responsibilities of the position. I also worked for the Town of Cochecton Highway Department as a heavy equipment operator.

As an experienced heavy equipment operator, I am familiar with the maintenance of such equipment and the paperwork involved in maintaining Tusten’s 60 miles of roads.

I have worked with FEMA to secure over $500,000 of federal money for damage due to storms and flooding. I attend Tusten’s monthly town board meetings and the Sullivan County Highway Superintendent Association meetings.

I believe I am familiar with the needs of our town. I am married to Marlene Kinch, a teacher with Sullivan West. We reside on County Road 25 with our son, Andy.

I believe I am the most qualified and experienced candidate for the office of highway superintendent.

Ronald Schalck Jr. (Dem.)

I am a 1989 graduate of Narrowsburg Central School and a lifetime resident of the Town. As a young, honest and energetic individual, I can bring new, creative ideas and improvements to the Tusten Highway Department, which makes me the best candidate for highway superintendent.

I will give the people of Tusten all that I can as I have done in every job or position I have ever had. I am currently the superintendent of the Narrowsburg Water and Sewer Districts, and I previously worked for the Tusten Highway Department. I have worked in construction and owned and operated a successful lawn maintenance and snowplowing business.

I can make changes by controlling spending, maintaining and improving Tusten’s roads properly and timely. Use of salt on roads near town wells #1 and #2, within the wellhead protection area on the flats, needs to be kept to a minimum. I will make this a priority to protect these wells from any further contamination from road salt. I will put my experience, ability and knowledge to work for you as the people of the town because I care.