“With these excellent candidates on the Democratic line Germantown residents will have a real choice this November. Our candidates offer outstanding levels of experience, integrity, vision, and commitment to our Town”, said Kay Abraham, Democratic Town Chair.
Each nominated candidate made a brief statement about why they wanted to run and what they felt were important issues before the Town. All four were elected by enthusiastic unanimous voice votes.
David Forman, candidate for Town Supervisor, is currently a Germantown School Board member, having served there for 9 years. He was heartily endorsed by Cynthia Smith who praised his contribution to successful efforts to improve Germantown Schools. David has four children who attend the local schools. He is a musician, songwriter and businessman who has a music publication firm and runs theatrical production companies. As a producer he has learned how to “make things happen”, and to work with people to accomplish his goals. He has lived here since 1980. “I’ve loved Germantown from the moment I laid eyes on it. I felt it would be a wonderful place to raise a family, and I was right.” said David.
Lawrence (Larry) Risch offers high qualifications to serve as Highway Superintendent, having been Deputy Highway Superintendent in Clermont for 8 years before leaving for a managerial job at a large Campground. At the campground he was responsible for supervising the maintenance and improvement of the grounds and over 500 campsites. He is qualified to operate all the large machinery related to highway work and has a high level of expertise in machinery repair. He is currently running a machinery repair business and counts many Germantown residents as very satisfied customers. He is married and has three children, two of whom are currently in Germantown schools.
Nancy (Nan) Eliot has made Germantown her home since 1977, raising her three sons who all graduated from high school here. Communication and marketing skills have been at the heart of Nan's career. She has worked in that field for the state government for 10 years, ultimately becoming Director of Tourism Marketing for NY State. Since then she has used her considerable skills in both governmental agencies and private firms, including her own business: the Eliot Group (1992-2004) an international marketing firm specializing in tourism. Her extensive experience will certainly contribute to our efforts to improve Germantown’s prosperity.
Joel Craig has been on the Town Board for the past two years. He will now run again on the Democratic line, as well as the Republican line, which underlines the wide-spread respect he has from Germantown residents. Joel was the Chairman of the Planning Board and now, in addition to Town Board duties he is also Chair of the Rezoning Committee, charged with revising the current Zoning Law to better reflect the goals of the Germantown Comprehensive Plan. He has two children in the local schools, and one in college.
The Candidates responded to questions from the caucus members, among the topics raised were the Town’s fiscal status, property assessments, and the new taller poles installed by National Grid to supply the new power line to Taconic Farms. Voters expressed dismay that a plan for the new lines had not been run past the Planning Board for review and perhaps, modification.
The Caucus was completed within an hour and at the close of the meeting those attending remained for more informal questions for the candidates and conversations about community issues.
“We will have an exciting campaign between now and November!” said Kay Abraham.
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