Two Bovina Town Council Seats Contested

By Mary A. Crisafulli

BOVINA - With two incumbents not seeking re-election, Evelyn Stewart-Barnhart and Marni Greenberg, there are two Bovina Town Council seats contested. Each seat is for a four-year term.

"I have been a board member for over 10 years," said Stewart-Barnhart, "I just feel like it's someone else's turn. I have enjoyed working with the other members of this board."

Greenberg was first elected in 2016 and was re-elected for two four-year terms following. "During my time on the Town Board, we have addressed a variety of challenges including upgrading the Hamlet's water system, renovating the Maynard School House and writing a new Town of Bovina Comprehensive Plan that charts a clear path forward for the next 5-10 years," said Greenberg, "After nine years as a member of the town council, I decided it was time to retire so that I could concentrate on a variety of other projects. It has been a great pleasure working with my fellow council members and serving the Bovina Community."

The Mountain Eagle constructed the following questions for candidates:

A. Why have you chosen to run for election?

B. What makes you a good candidate?

C. What will be your first item of business if elected?

D. How long have you lived in Bovina, and why did you choose to make it home?

Below are responses from each town council seat candidate.

Republican Mark E. Rossley

A. Continuity of community service and dedication to keep Bovina as Bovina, the reason people come to visit, as well as choose to stay and raise a family.

B. Prior service on the Town Board, as well as a working knowledge of our budgeting, highway infrastructure, water, and sewer systems.

I served on the town board from 2011 to 2021 and left to become the transfer station operator, as I could not do both. It has since been contracted out to John Brewer. I waited a couple of years to let my job at the county settle a bit before seeking election again.

C. An attempt to unite tourist planning and residential constituents.

D. I was raised in Bovina and chose to raise my family here for the community, landscape, and weather.

Democrat Penelope Brackett

A & C. It’s an exciting time in Bovina. With the new Comprehensive Plan approved, we now have a clearer picture of what matters most to Bovinians — and plenty of work ahead to turn ideas into action. That’s why I’m running for Town Council: because I believe the next chapter of Bovina should be written by all of us.

Earlier this month, I reached out by phone, email, and in person to encourage neighbors to attend the public hearing on the plan. The packed house that night showed just how deeply our community cares about what comes next.

If elected, I’ll work to keep that energy alive. I’ll advocate for stronger communication and greater transparency — from a more user-friendly town website and recorded meetings for those who can’t attend, to an annual town mailing that keeps everyone informed. I’d also like to help establish a new committee to build on the Comprehensive Plan’s momentum — turning its priorities into action on issues like cell service, paved roads, business development, and senior housing.

B. I bring to this role a career built on collaboration, innovation, and follow-through. I’ve owned and operated a small business for decades and coached leaders in organizations of every size — from solo entrepreneurs to global companies. As a grant developer for a nonprofit, I raised over $100,000 annually in private and federal funding. Those experiences taught me how to listen, find common ground, and get things done — qualities I’m eager to bring to Bovina’s town government.

D. My husband and I moved here four years ago after more than two decades in New York State. He was born upstate, and we came to be closer to his parents, both now in their 90s. We quickly fell in love with Bovina and have only grown more connected to its people, its beauty, and its potential. I’d be honored to serve this community and help shape the thoughtful, inclusive future we all envision for Bovina.

Republican John Salak

A. Bovina is a wonderful place with an amazing community. But just like other towns across the country, it faces both challenges and opportunities. Some residents want improved roads, better cellular coverage, more community engagement, and enhanced municipal services. Others seek a hold on tax increases, an end to commercial development, and limited residential growth that doesn’t dilute the town’s unspoiled nature. It won’t be easy meeting these challenges and satisfying these often-competing demands. But improvements are possible and I believe my background can help me deliver them. Ultimately, I’m running for election to help Bovina limit the negative effects of any challenges, while positioning the town to take advantage of its opportunities.

B. My diverse background has helped me develop skills and experience that puts me in a unique position to help Bovina. I spent more than 30 years working as a journalist in small towns and large cities in the U.S. and overseas. More recently, I ran two successful companies. One focused on assisting companies and nonprofits with marketing and business development. The other delivered unbiased health and wellness news and information that helped readers to lead healthier and happier lives. All this taught me that success depends on listening to others, preparation, teamwork, smart spending and caring about end results. Beyond this, my first job in journalism involved covering small towns much like Bovina. This also made me realize that local government has a powerful and often overlooked impact on people’s lives.

C. My first priority will involve, among other things, helping Bovina’s elderly. I’ll work to improve town-sponsored communications. This will allow Bovina to promote existing services offered by regional nonprofits and government agencies that focus on Bovina’s elderly, among others. Better communications will also help build community engagement by supporting and promoting local Bovina activities.

D. My wife Suzanne and I moved to Bovina more than six years ago, just prior to the pandemic. We came to Bovina like many before us, drawn to the town’s natural beauty, history and community. Since moving here, we haven’t been disappointed. The town has been incredibly welcoming, allowing me to work on the Bovina Historical Society board and the Bovina Farm Day marketing and operations committee. The Friend of Bovina’s Public Library has done likewise for Suzanne, letting her use her expertise to offer free weekly movement classes to help raise money for the library. It’s fair to say that moving to Bovina may have been our best decision ever.

Republican John A. Ciccone

A. I am retired from business ownership, but I have not retired my desire to help the community. As an elected member of Bovina’s Town Council, my experience in business development, management, and problem-solving will benefit the community overall. If elected, I will donate my salary to the Bovina Fire Department/EMS.

B. My commitment, experience, knowledge, and most importantly, my willingness to serve the community in which I live.

C. First and foremost, to listen, then to work with the Town Council on Bovina’s challenges, with the mindset of solving the problems of our community

D. Eight years ago, my wife and I bought the former Barlow Farm and have been restoring it to its 1905 glory. We chose to live here because the quality of life is far superior in every way. And I love the genuine small home town feel.

Also on the ballot this year, unopposed, are Republican Tina B. Molè seeking re-election as town supervisor, Republican Catherine S. Hewitt seeking re-election as town clerk and tax collector, and Democrat Edward F. Weber seeking re-election as superintendent of highways.

If re-elected, this will be Molè's 13th term. "I am committed to serving as Supervisor for the Town of Bovina to continue the work I am extremely proud to be a part of," said Molè. She has further served as Chairman of the Delaware County Board of Supervisors for the past nine years.

Molè is proud of the town board's recent accomplishment in securing $107,000 to update the playground. "This is only the latest of projects in a series of projects that have improved life for Bovina residents," she said, noting grants received for septic system, updates to the water system, renovation of Maynard School House, updates to town hall, solar speed signs, and repairs to the highway garage.

"In Bovina, I have been blessed to serve with many supportive and intelligent people who have worked tirelessly to keep Bovina a small town with great character that honors our history while welcoming new ideas and people to share in what we know is so special about our little space in Delaware County," said Molè.

If re-elected, Molè vows to honor past town leaders, including the late Chuck McIntosh and Tom Hillson, with whom she served, learned from, and respected. "Our work continues and it is my greatest honor to guide Bovina to the best of my abilities honoring our past, serving our present and striving for a bright future," she concluded.

Elections take place on November 4th at Community Hall, 1866 County Highway 6, Bovina Center.