Two on the ballot for Monroe Town Supervisor

Anthony Cardone

Why are you running for Town Supervisor?

I truly enjoy my job, working with the public, solving residents’ issues, and making economic enhancements to our town. Experience counts. The Town of Monroe is akin to a $15 million corporation with over 100 employees/board members. Experience is necessary. The ability to listen, negotiate and work well with others has been the foundation of our success and what we need most going forward.

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

Continue to control taxes, as we have during my tenure, improve town roads and parks, and complete an Intermunicipal Agreement for Law Enforcement Services to enhance safety and protection for our town residents.

Why are you the best candidate for this position?

Having served our town beginning in 2016 as a councilmember and as Supervisor since 2018 equates to nearly 10 years of management experience at the local government level. A common-sense approach to leading our town, open communication and dedication to the community we love has brought results we can all be proud of including the purchase and renovation of our beautiful Town Hall, improvements to several of our properties including Town Hall, the Senior Center, Mombasha Park and Water District 12. We have secured grant funding every year and continue to seek funding opportunities to assist in other town water district and road improvements as well as updated facilities for our Highway and Dial-A-Ride operations. Our fiscal rating has been the highest in decades and we currently have one of the highest S&P ratings in the county at “AA”. Our relationships with county officials, municipal leaders and residents are stronger than ever and have resulted in multiple Intermunicipal Agreements with less costly services for our taxpayers. I am proud to serve as Vice President of the Orange County Association of Towns, Villages & Cities, Member of the Orange County Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Committee, as well as serve as a volunteer participant with Hudson Valley Make-a-Wish Foundation, Monroe-Woodbury Community Coalition, Monroe-Woodbury Parents Football Club, Monroe-Woodbury American Youth Football & Cheer and Monroe-Woodbury Hall of Distinction.

Maureen Richardson

Why are you running for Town Supervisor?

I started Preserve Monroe after stopping the 131-acre Dinosaur Theme Park illegally proposed in wetlands and recruited by my opponents. A homeowner affected by the 491-unit Rye Hill Development asked me to speak against the project. I’d earned a reputation for standing up when Monroe needed it most.

I spoke out against the exploitative zoning and monstrous design on behalf of everyone tired of watching the town we love morph into something unrecognizable. I dedicated every moment to fighting the Rye Hill disaster until we exposed the truth: it was requested and designed by our own Town Board. I built a movement of preservation, civic discourse, and transparency to fill the gaps where our local government has failed us. This launched me onto the Town Board in 2023 with 1766 votes – a 300 vote margin of victory. Over the years, hundreds of residents joined me at meetings where our concerns were ignored and shouted down.

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

As a constituent, I stopped hundreds of millions in unwanted development as the strong voice Monroe needs. As Supervisor, I will finish the fight we began years ago: end exploitation with a preservation-driven Comprehensive Plan that plans thoughtfully for our future—an unfulfilled promise of my opponent.

I will invite every voice back into Town Hall and restore a functional government. The current administration, despite holding a majority, doesn’t operate for the people. Councilmembers are blocked from their lawful duties. Despite being silenced: I’ve pushed millions in grant applications, found solar-energy solutions, started shared-service discussions, investigated toxic sewer gas, strengthened tree protections, and exposed budget mismanagement.

Why are you the best candidate for this position?

I’ve risked everything to represent you while my opponent receives a $100,000+ paycheck to obscure open government. His campaign donor, the town attorney, “instructed” me: I have no right to call myself a councilperson, no access to documents, speak when spoken to, and I’m worthless as a legislator. Without titles, without access, deprived of dignity, but bearing all the responsibility of my role, I’ve delivered results. Even after overcoming an immobilizing stroke, I’ve never stood down and as long as you’re standing with me, I never will.