Four candidates seek two seats on Village of Woodbury Board of Trustees

Tara Burek

Why are you running for Village Trustee?

As a former Trustee, people often ask why I’ve chosen to run again. My answer remains simple: my children. I have two daughters, one in 9th grade at MW High School and the other in 4th grade at CV Elementary. I want them to grow up in a community that prioritizes thoughtful development, environmental stewardship, and civic engagement. Serving in public office has allowed me to advocate for the qualities that make our Village unique, and I’m eager to continue that work.

What are the top three things you aim to accomplish if elected?

1. Secure Additional Water Sources: I will support efforts to identify and bring new water sources online to ensure long-term sustainability.

2. Strengthen Volunteer Emergency Services: I’m committed to investing in our volunteer emergency departments, ensuring they have the resources and support needed to serve our residents effectively.

3. Enhance Community Engagement: I will work with the Town Board to establish monthly joint meetings, including “town hall” style forums, to foster open dialogue and gather input from residents on how we can better serve the community.

Why are you the best candidate for this position?

I’m a CPA with two decades of professional experience helping individuals and organizations navigate complex financial matters with strategic, tax-efficient solutions tailored to their goals.

My career has been built on understanding people, what matters to them, how to guide them through challenges, and how to lead with empathy and resilience.

I previously served as Village Trustee from January 2020 through December 2023. During that time, I focused on zoning laws and environmental preservation, drawing on best practices from other municipalities to help shape our policies. I’m proud to have contributed to several key initiatives, including:

- Establishing the Village’s Land Preservation Committee

- Collaborating on the Land and Natural Resource Preservation Plan

- Supporting the Water Quality Protection Overlay District

- Creating the Environmental Conservation Commission

- Advocating for architectural standards in zoning laws

- Championing ridge preservation legislation

- Hosting a Land Use Open House to educate residents on zoning and planning

Informed communities are empowered communities. I value transparency, balance, and a deep respect for our Village’s heritage, principles that guide every decision I make. I humbly ask for your support on November 4th.

Matthew Fabbro

Why are you running for Village Trustee?

I am running for re-election as Woodbury Village Trustee to preserve the quality of life I was fortunate enough to grow up with. As a third-generation resident of Woodbury I have seen rapid growth which has put strain on our water and sewer capacities. I am running for office to keep our community character, open space and natural resources top priorities.

What are the top three things you aim to accomplish if elected?

Woodbury is facing two potential annexations which challenge the vision of our Village of Woodbury Comprehensive Plan. I strongly support preserving and protecting our community’s borders and I will continue to work for our residents to ensure that the Village of Woodbury has proper legal and environmental representation.

I am focused on maintaining and improving our village infrastructure, including our water, sewer, roads and bridges along with supporting green energy and solar power. I will continue to work with the village board to create legislation to preserve our natural resources and I will continue to support the water moratorium until we have built adequate water supply.

My priorities also include keeping Woodbury affordable and safe for all of our residents and supporting our local businesses. We need to re-examine the Inter-municipal agreement (IMA) which was allowed to lapse after 19 years. It is pertinent that a legal agreement be in place so that the village and the town can work together uninhibited. With the IMA back in effect the sales tax can be split equally between the village and the town in order to keep taxes for our residents below the 2% tax cap.

Why are you the best candidate for this position?

With my years of experience working in the New York State Assembly and local government along with a willingness to work across party lines, I will put the people of our community first. I am a graduate of Monroe Woodbury schools and an Eagle Scout, and I have worked hard to preserve and protect my community. I care deeply about the future of Woodbury, and I am proud to have this opportunity to continue representing the community that raised me and the people who call our beautiful Woodbury home.

James Freiband

Why are you running for Village Trustee?

Over 50 years ago, my wife and I looked down from the Rte. 6 overlook at what would be our home. The view was of fiery colors; of a forested glen only broken by the Thruway and Quickway. When the Commons cleared those woods leaving 50-foot-high piles of smoldering chipped trees, I joined the Planning Board. The Comprehensive Master plan we created was designed to preserve the remaining vibrant community. We prepared for a future with growth based on a careful balance for resource protection and livability.

For that vision to come true, I will challenge attempts to upend the Village Comprehensive plan and refocus the planning process to prevent more indiscriminate development. Woodbury needs voices that will stand up to the lack of that sensitivity. The Village Board needs an experienced voice that calls out poor planning, lack of adherence to the Master Plan. For anyone standing on Rte. 6 overlook today, it is evident our Village Board needs people as concerned as I am by the recent development and, even more so, by the potential redevelopment of annexed land into fully urban-scraped landscape.

It is crucial to Woodbury’s future that we end the confrontation between our two governments. This is most acute at the Village level where the Mayor refused to meet with the Town Board and has stated that the Inter-municipal Agreement “was just a piece of paper” that didn’t affect his life.

Ending this agreement enabled him to manipulate the sales tax sharing that the Village and Town get from the Commons so he could seem to hold down tax Village rates. The real losers were residents. The Village budgeting process must be revamped to stop mixing capital expenses as an operating cost. This could help limit tax increases.

What are the top three things you aim to accomplish if elected?

I will make Village government accessible; opening Village Hall; reinstituting Zoom access; and requiring agendas (with accompanying documentation), be distributed at least a week before every meeting.

Why are you the best candidate for this position?

With decades of experience in land-use planning; former Planner for West Point; decorated Navy Veteran, and love for Woodbury, I will put all this experience into working as your Trustee.

Christopher Graziano

Why are you running for Village Trustee?

I am running for Village Trustee to try and give back to the community that has accepted my family with open arms. I feel public service is just that, to serve the public, not photo ops, benefits, or pay, and most definitely not about ego. For me, it is all about utilizing my professional skills to help our residents in the best way possible. I believe government is by the people, for the people, and of the people.

What are the top three things you aim to accomplish if elected?

Continue the work I started to ensure our water and sewer infrastructure is sustainable for future generations.

Preserve open spaces and protect the charm of Woodbury

Ensure our government is transparent, accountable, and communicates with our residents. Community participation in government is essential, and should be encouraged.

Why are you the best candidate for this position?

I am a 35 year professional in the water and waste water industry. I have had various responsibilities in the industry and I am currently the President of 6 utilities serving three quarters of a million people in NY and Rhode Island. I have also spent the last 25 years forming partnerships with government officials and working on sustainable solutions with over 75 municipalities. I know how to forge and foster working relationships at every level from Village, Town, State, to Congressional leaders. I have a reputation as someone who can form coalitions and gets things done. My governmental experience also encompasses understanding Planning and Zoning from both sides of the table. Not only I am a current Woodbury Planning board member, I also have previously served two terms as a Village Trustee.

I feel I have the best knowledge and experience to provide Woodbury with real solutions for the tough problems ahead such as annexation, preserving open spaces, water and sewer infrastructure, and intergovernmental relations. I hope I earn your vote on November 4th.