PLACE OF BIRTH: Brooklyn, NY
FAMILY: Wife Karen (24 years), Sons Nate (20), Robbie (18) and Joey (15)
EDUCATION: BA SUNY-Binghamton
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: 20 years in finance, published author
PUBLIC SERVICE: 6 years as Village Trustee (2 years as Deputy Mayor), Co-chair of Cooperstown Concert Series, member of Rotary (currently Vice-President elect), coach Cooperstown Youth Baseball (3 years)
PLEASE TELL US WHERE YOU STAND ON THE FOLLOWING ISSUES, AND PROPOSE SOLUTIONS WHERE YOU CAN (PLEASE, 150 WORDS PER ANSWER):
-- CONTRACTING WITH SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT FOR POLICE SERVICES
I am against abolishing the local Village Police Department and leaving our protection to the Sheriff’s Dept. The Board of Trustees could cut back on the Cooperstown Police budget, while still retaining local control of our community force.
-- RESOLVING THE POLICE CHIEF SITUATION
With the Police Chief situation in the courts, I would prefer not to comment in detail. However, I would say that the Board’s vote to discipline the Chief, and the Chief’s subsequent law suit against the Village in response to that Board vote, has brought us to this very sad situation, a situation that no one is happy about.
-- SIDEWALKS AND STREETS
The Village has, to the best of its financial situation, improved sidewalks and roads as quickly as it can. There are methods of street repair that are cost effective and long lasting but are not complete street reconstruction. These cost effective methods are appropriate for some Village streets, not all. Our sidewalks are a precious commodity for a walking Village and I would like to continue consistent work on keeping them in top condition.
-- DOWNTOWN ISSUES
Main St. is important to the Village. It is both the business and social center of the Village. The Trustees role is to balance the needs of the business community with the needs of the residents and taxpayers. I do support the work being done to explore increased usage of upper floors, as well as addressing commercial paid parking and other parking requirements within the business district.
-- PAID PARKING
Even opponents of Doubleday Field paid parking have come to admit that it has been a success. On street paid parking is a moot issue, as the majority of the Board struck it from the law in January. Paid parking was motivated solely by the need to address our infrastructure issues while lessening the burden on taxpayers.
WHAT SKILLS/TALENTS/APPROACHES WOULD YOU BRING TO THE BOARD DIFFERENT FROM THE OTHER CANDIDATES?
I bring the most experience in Village issues, with six years on the Board of Trustees. I bring a wide range of knowledge, having served on almost all the Village committees.
With no personal agenda or preconceived bias on any issue that comes before the board, I have proven that I am an independent voice on the Board.
ANY FINAL POINTS?
The Village government is run by the Board of Trustees. It is the body that decides policy within the Village. I have always been consistent in my approach, honest and open in my discussion, with one overriding principle: what is for the general good of the residents of this Village.
