Monroe Town Board
Voters in the Town of Monroe will elect two people to the Town Board on Nov. 3. There had been four candidates, but Dennis McWatters suspended his campaign two weeks ago. His name, however, remains on the ballot.
That leaves incumbent Democrat Dan Burke and Tony Cardone and Mike McGinn, whose names will appear on the ballot as candidates for United Monroe and Republicans.
The candidates are listed in alphabetical order.
Town Board: Dan BurkeBiography
After graduating Iona College, my career was in social services in New York City. I was also a union delegate, Emerald Society president, ZBA chair and dog shelter manager.
I have lived here in Monroe since 1989 with my life partner Lisa. Her son married my daughter; their wedding was our first date.
What is the most critical issue facing the town?
Our relationship with Kiryas Joel. The annexation was a challenge. I read every report, every email, and every letter and attended every meeting. I voted down the 507-acre application and voted for 164 acres. Now the decisions will be made by the N.Y.S. Judiciary.
Just as important is our reborn movie theater bought cheap at auction and brought to life with movies and programs that have revitalized life in the Town of Monroe. Every step of the way, lawsuit, boycott, picketing, one criticism after another, I persevered. The theater has now sold 16,000 tickets.
At the same time, I am establishing a solar farm, supporting unions, bringing diversity to town employment and establishing transparency by televising all our meetings.
Candidate statement
I believe that good government takes hard work. I have been at every town board meeting save one since I took the oath of office in January 2012, and at every budget, theater, sewer commission and water district meeting. I never stop the doing the people’s business.
My first responsibility is respecting our taxpayers. Every budget I worked on since 2012 has been under the state tax cap. I know these dollars are hard-earned. I have made and will make careful decisions on these funds entrusted to me.
Town Board: Tony CardoneBiography
Our entire family graduated from Monroe-Woodbury High School, my wife Fran ‘80, daughters Joanna ‘07 and Gina ‘15 and Anthony ‘11 and myself in ‘79 and Marist College ‘83. The dedication and efforts of the entire M-W School District from teachers, staff and personnel are unparalleled.
Work experience: Keuffel & Esser, Mattel Toys, Orange & Rockland Realty 83-88, Fran’s Hallmark from 1988 - present. Make-A-Wish Foundation, Pop Warner Football, Monroe Joint Park Commission, Michael J. Finnegan Scholarship, MW Parents Football Club.
What is the most critical issue facing the town?
The most critical issue facing us ... is the nefarious practices and attitude of our current town board toward it populace. The lack of respect and unethical behavior toward residents is disgusting. Even worse is how females are treated/spoken to, by Dole’s and McQuade’s bullying mentality at meetings, it’s simply repulsive. What mom would be proud of it? Now think of the frivolous spending, favoritism and unprofessional behavior, all without common sense or transparency existing, and you have total dysfunction and disconnect from the public. The TB’s behavior has caused a divide between our communities.
Candidate statement
Our belief is that if you vote for McGinn and Cardone on Nov. 3. you will start the process to restore trust and integrity to our town, represent all residents fairly and bring back the desire for home buyers to buy in Monroe again.
Town Board: Mike McGinnBiography
My wife Barbara and I have lived in Monroe since 1993 and have raised four children here. They all attended the Monroe –Woodbury School District and my youngest daughter is a junior in the M-WHS. Our main reason for moving to Monroe was the strong reputation of the schools and the education that my kids have received from the highly dedicated teachers and staff has been exceptional.
What is the most critical issue facing the town?
I am a 21-year veteran of the NYPD and have been president of the Fraternal Order of Police, Jason Conklin Memorial Lodge #957 for eight years. I was managing director of a security company with oversight responsibility for 400 employees at 95 locations throughout the region and have been a public safety supervisor with a prominent university since 2009. I have also been active in our community as soccer coach and board member with the Monroe-Woodbury Soccer Club.
Candidate statement
Tony Cardone and I are running as a team because we are gravely concerned with the highly questionable direction and decisions that our current Town Board has taken which has caused the members of this once proud community to lose faith in their elected officials. We pledge to restore civility, transparency, fiscal responsibility and to fairly and equally represent the hard working taxpayers of Monroe.