This past July, Tuxedo residents voted to create the Consolidated TownVillage of Tuxedo, encompassing all of Tuxedo, except the Village of Tuxedo Park, thereby making the area of the townvillage outside Tuxedo Park essentially indivisible.
While achieving territorial unity was a necessary step, it alone will not suffice to address the issues facing Tuxedo residents. Questions regarding the fate of the Tuxedo Union Free School district, Tuxedo Farms and other proposed housing tracts and the budgets for municipal services will require open debate and constructive dialogue to achieve resolution.
Next month the residents of the Tuxedo will elect a townvillage supervisor and two members of the board.
They can elect a board who will govern openly and transparently in the interests of the community, or one inclined to favor transient interests, their own selfinterest or both, behind closed doors and without community input and participation.
Two years ago, Tuxedo voters elected Ken English to the town board. From the outset Ken has pushed for greater dialogue between members of the board and the community.
Moreover, he has held workshops educating residents on the powers and responsibilities of town and planning boards under state law.
This time Ken English is running for townvillage supervisor, along with incumbent board member Michelle Lindsay and firsttime board member candidate Maria May.
This is a team committed to promoting greater cohesiveness within the community, invigorating the village with a sense of shared purpose, and guiding sustainable and responsible development within Tuxedo.
Now it is up to Tuxedo residents to vote to become more than just a village on a map.
Greg Duffy
Tuxedo