Monroe town supervisor

The race for Monroe town supervisor pits Republican incumbent Sandy Leonard against Democrat Alicia Vaccaro and Robert W. Purdy, the president of SaveMonroe whose name appears on the Conservative line in Tuesday’s ballot. The supervisor holds a four-year term. Sandy Leonard,Republican Biographical information: • Born in Manhattan, raised in Monroe. Married for 40 years; two children and two grandchildren. Worked in Manhattan in consulting and real estate; owned small businesses locally. • Education: Monroe-Woodbury (‘64); Orange County Community College; Russell Sage College. • Town affiliations: Moodna Commission, Orange County Southeast Regional Traffic Task Force, Orange County Traffic Committee. • Community affiliations: Community Foundation of Orange County Board; member Orange County Citizens Foundation. Candidate statement: The one thing people must understand is we are only accountable for what we control. There are three Villages in the town and we have one school district. Each has its own duly elected officials. The town does not control the villages, the school district or their taxes. Our townwide tax rate is the same for everyone. The most important thing we have done as a board for the community is purchase more than 100 acres of parkland and open space that will be in place forever. I am very proud of this accomplishment. Because of our foresight, we did not raise taxes in regard to this issue in the process. Our parks tour on Saturday was a great success. People loved it and were amazed at the beauty, vastness and possibilities provided by our acquisitions. We also support half the cost for Smith’s Clove Park, which is a tremendous asset for the community that provides a variety of recreational opportunities. And we have maintained a stable town tax rate for years as well. The three most important issues for the future are: One: Town taxes. You must have a handle on the money before you do anything. Second: Build the park system. Third: Finish the Master Plan so that we have the vision of the community in place in order to tackle the zoning issues. Most importantly, I would like to thank my family. They have had to endure a lot and I want them to know how much I love and appreciate them. I have a lifetime of service to this community. I believe I have earned the right to ask for your support for another term on Election Day. Thank you for your consideration. Alicia Vaccaro,Democrat Biographical information: My family and I are 14-year residents of Monroe. I have a civil engineering degree from Manhattan College and 10-plus years experience as a municipal consultant in Hudson Valley, specializing in land use, park development, water and sewer facility evaluation/rehabilitation, grant administration and as a municipal project manager/administrator with contracts ranging from $50,000 to $5 million. My service to Monroe shows my commitment as a member of the Planning Board; the Master Plan Committee; as a Girl Scout Leader and by assisting the troop in “Cell Phones for Soldier” campaign; as a Food Pantry volunteer; Autism Awareness volunteer; and member and past president, Friends of the Monroe Free Library. Candidate Statement: The issues that face Monroe are complex and require a person with knowledge and experience. I am that person. I take positive action toward making changes that I see are needed instead of only spouting negative criticism. That is why I applied for the Planning Board position. In some instances, I’ve been able to compel the town board to hear me, but this has been too little and too slow. Running for town supervisor is the best way for me to use my skills, experience and tenacity toward making Monroe a thriving community. The position of town supervisor is one that requires skill, knowledge and a full-time commitment. As a current stay-at-home mom and a civil engineer with municipal experience, I have the time and know-how. I know how to stabilize our taxes, so our seniors aren’t taxed out of their homes. I know how to decrease traffic. I know how to stop irresponsible development. I know how to increase needed services without overburdening our community. I know how to stop destroying our environment. I know how to do these things without alienating people in the community. And lastly, I know that my commitment to accomplishing each of these goals has everything to do with how much I love my husband and three children, my understanding that you love your family as much as I love mine, and that I must do everything I can to make Monroe a better place for all of us. Robert W. Purdy, SaveMonroe Biographical information: President SaveMonroe, married 43 years, three children, two grandchildren, ex Marine, residing in Monroe 28 years. Retired custodian engineer, holder of three engineer licenses, was responsible for a three-quarters of a million dollar budget, the maintenance and operation, health and safety of the students and faculty attending Aviation High School, whose population exceeded that of some villages. A member of Local 891 IUOE, AFL/CIO, elected union auditor and trustee, involved in labor relations, grievances and contract negotiations. Candidate statement: As town supervisor I fully intend to slow sprawl by revamping the Master Plan and the Zoning Code to conform legally, first by readjusting land use in several zoning districts to create larger parcels per house, eliminating all developer incentives that exist, sewer density bonus being one example. I will also enact a Wetlands Code that will contain a viable buffer zone, a substantial fine and a restoration clause if despoiled by anyone without first having procured a valid permit. During my tenure wetland permits will be issued sparsely. Zoning Laws and Wetland Codes are only as effective as their enforcement. These are changes I have been requesting for several years. They will help preserve our open space and natural resources, habitat for wild life and inherent beauty for generations to come. I will seek to have all land owned by the town be deemed parkland to preserve its natural state forever. I will push for term limits producing a maximum of two consecutive terms for both the supervisor and town council member positions, eliminating the “good old boy politics.” I will give tax incentives to entice firms paying medium to high salaries instead of the minimum wage positions we have now. I am opposed to the KJ pipeline and the KJ Alliance’s request for annexation. Both will cause excessive growth due to Kiryas Joel’s unusually lenient zoning and their propensity for multi-family dwellings. Everything that takes place in this town must benefit the majority of residents, not just a segment.