By Mary A. Crisafulli
MIDDLETOWN - Despite several seats on the ballot this year, no incumbents are being contested in Middletown.
Supervisor Glen Faulkner is running for a second term. Faulkner will appear under the Democrat and Community Collaboration lines on the ballot.
"During my first term in office," said Faulkner, "I have been focused on following through on three core principles; communication, collaboration, and community."
Communication initiatives prospered through open, transparent dialogue among staff and departments, the introduction of workshop meetings, the invitation of the public into discussions, and the updating of the town website, explained Faulkner.
Collaboration efforts focus on improving operational efficiency, sharing resources, enhancing planning, and strengthening partnerships, he said. Key partnerships, Faulkner said, are with the two villages, neighboring municipalities, New York City Department of Environmental Protection, Catskill Watershed Corporation, and various County and State agencies. Faulkner was selected to serve on the Coalition of Watershed Towns Executive Board of Directors.
"I believe that strong communication and collaboration best position the Town and villages to advance key community planning and infrastructure initiatives," said Faulkner.
Two council seats will also appear on the ballot, and incumbents Colleen Martin and Robin Williams are both seeking re-election. Both Martin and Williams will appear on the Democrat and Community Collaboration lines.
"I always say it takes a team and a village," said Martin, "We have made significant progress in improving communication in all levels of the town operations and working with the village of Margaretville on many initiatives."
Martin commended the board and Faulkner for initiating monthly workshop meetings. These sessions cultivate a welcoming environment that encourages public input and discussion, she noted. "I am proud to work with such a wonderful team at the Town of Middletown," she concluded.
During her last term, Martin is proud to have explored options for updating the transfer station and looks forward to what the feasibility study will add to the discussion. If re-elected, Martin said key issues include addressing the housing shortage and working with local medical services to expand healthcare opportunities.
Faulkner noted some key collaborative board achievements over the past year. In addition to transfer station goals, the board initiated a feasibility study for water interconnection to improve water district resiliency. The town began the two-year process of updating the comprehensive plan, which will help secure grant funding for future projects and guide the town in a unified direction.
Other headways include the highway garage roof, which was repaired, a third well installed for Arkville Water District, receipt of the DOT Thriving Communities Award, being designated a NYS Pro-Housing Community, securing and applying for various grants, implementation of code enforcement software, developing a Cemetery Task Force, instituting an emergency alert system, advocating for healthcare, and increasing senior tax exemptions, among other initiatives.
"Looking ahead, as many of these planning and engineering projects move forward, our focus will shift toward securing the funding needed to move these important initiatives from the drawing board to shovel-ready, and ultimately, to completion," said Faulkner, "I am honored to serve with such a caring, dedicated Board and excited about the opportunity to continue serving the residents and businesses of our great community for another term and working to bring these projects to fruition."
Justice John Fairbairn III is similarly seeking re-election.
Although the local officials are running unopposed, they hosted a meet-the-candidates event on Oct. 17 at Union Grove.
Elections take place on November 4th. Middletown has five election districts, each voting at the following locations: District one, Fleischmanns Fire Hall, 1298 Main Street; Districts two and four, Middletown Town Hall, 42339 State Highway 28; Districts three and five, Arkville Fire Hall, 43365 State Hwy. 28. District five includes Arkville, Halcottsville, and Kelly Corners.
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