I want Hillsdale to be Hillsdale, plain and simple.
A
unique town where you can find an affordable house, find a job, get something good
to eat, go to the Farmers Markets, visit the shops and stores and take
advantage of our countryside and recreational activities, for example, Bash
Bish, Roe Jan Park, Taconic State Park, Catamount and those planned, the continuation
of the Rail Trail and the Town Hall park.
Taking care of the local taxpayer’s money is a priority
as the funds from the Federal government, and the State and County governments becomes
increasing difficult to rely on receiving when formulating the town and county budgets.
Every cent counts. Overspending taxpayer money on budgets
is a problem, especially when the expenditure is as a result of poorly executed
projects. Not properly accounting for taxpayer funds leaves us in the dark and
vulnerable.
I love living here and making Hillsdale my home. Working
on the renovations to our historic house, (nearly finished) and returning it to
its former glory, is for me, an accomplishment. Working with our Historic Committee
and survey team on the State and National Register listings for the Historic
Hamlet District and assisting my neighbors in applying for available tax
credits for their renovation work is a greater accomplishment.
Many of the town’s recent achievements’ are as a result
of the hard work and commitment of the volunteers on the Town Committees:
The renovation and additions to the VFW Memorial was as a
direct result of the vision of talented individuals on the Hamlet Committee and
a very generous donation from a Hillsdale family.
The plan for the Hamlet was paid for with grants and generous
donations from town residents.
The Copake Hillsdale Rail Trail continuation Plan will
soon be in the works, paid for with a large grant and public donations.
The Historic Surveys were paid for with grants and
donations.
Donations received as a result of the hard work of the Historic
House Tour committee are responsible for the funding of the new Historic Signs
(to be installed this month), payment to
repair the Church bells, the New Town Hall Lighting and the new town wide historic
survey.
The proposed installation of fitness equipment in the Roe Jan
Park and the Toddler Equipment in the Hamlet park will be paid for with the
donations received by the Flowers to Powers the Park Committee and other
donations and grants.
I applaud my fellow committee members for all their hard
work and especially our Steering Committee chair for his unfailing commitment,
his advice and his hard work on getting us the grants and monies the committees
need to continue their work on behalf of the town.
Please vote on November 8.
