By David Avitabile
FULTON - Democrat Phil Skowfoe is seeking another term as Fulton town supervisor.
Mr. Skowfoe has been Fulton supervisor for 28 years and is seeking another one-year term in office. He is being challenged by former Town Justice Maryann Pietromonaco.
He is running for re-election because "I enjoy what I do. I enjoy helping the town people."
Mr. Skowfoe, 78, has "another project in the works." That project is a $1.5 million state Bridge NY grant for Heathen Creek Bridge. "That should come to fruition this year. Construction should start in the spring."
The bridge work is the big issue in the town though, "you get little issues all the time," Mr. Skowfoe said.
During his tenure, he had "years of balanced budgets" and helped bring in $1.6 million in Small Cities housing grants to the town. He brought in four of those grants and has submitted for another housing grant. He oversaw the construction of the new town hall and highway garage. Mr. Skowfoe does all the insurance for the town which saves money since no broker is needed.
Mr. Skowfoe also worked with the hydro-resource management committee to help with the distribution of NYPA funding to support local fire department and EMS services.
"I am grateful to have been able to provide 28 years of consistent service to the community as supervisor and seek to continue. I am very appreciative of my wife and her constant support through the years. I am thankful for my family and everyone in the community that has aided this wonderful venture. With your support, I can continue to provide you with the quality service we are accustomed to."
Mr. Skowfoe is a life member of the VFW, a member of the American Legion, a life member of the Middleburgh Rod and Gun Club, a member of the West Fulton Rod and Gun Club, former scoutmaster for local Boy Scout Troop 58, and a self-employed businessman.
"I am open-minded and respectful while at the service of our community," Mr. Skowfoe said. "I have solid working relationships with government officials enabling the system to work quickly and efficiently. I have a reputation as a listener and a calm participant in finding solutions for difficult situations.
"I am fiscally conservative and consistent while providing the town with much-needed repairs, equipment, and updates. I have experience with grant expeditions and disaster relief fund."
During his tenure, he has supported MidTel to improve services to homeowners and faster Internet, helped in acquiring new highway equipment, helped implement a moratorium on wind projects, helped implement a solar law to regulate solar companies, and helped implement a property tax exemption for volunteer fire and ambulance workers
"As always, I never promise anything but do my best and I'm willing to listen," Mr. Skowfoe said.
Other Democrats running in the Town of Fulton this year are:
* George H. Sherwood III for assessor, three-year term.
* Paul Klohe for a two-year vacancy on the town board.
* William Jaycox, highway superintendent, one year.
Maryann Pietromonaco cites her experience on the bench as Town Fulton. She previously resigned from the position to challenge Skowfoe for Supervisor in 2013. She had a career as an NYPD officer, a paralegal in New York City, and a project manager for a construction company in Long Island before moving to Fulton fulltime in 2006.
A dedicated mother, wife, and grandmother, Pietromonaco said that she chose to enter the race following the homicide trial centering around 151 Clauverwie Road. The house in which Jeffrey Mickle was killed in is owned by Skowfoe’s family.
“The re-emergence of past events that Mr. Skowfoe and family have attachment to, presented once again, that the Town of Fulton NEEDS a leader without scandal and indiscrepancies,” she said. “The constituency is owed a representative that is not marred or brought into question. Over the years there have been many inferences and sadly-truth to many of the claims. Unfortunately or fortunately, decidedly depending on what side of the coin you are looking, I witnessed first hand. Twenty seven years is a VERY long time and in my opinion and the opinion of others- he needs to retire. This amount of time only leads to collusion and corruption!”
Pietromonaco hopes to bring in her “extensive background of public service” to the position. She cites this “from the streets of Brooklyn,” including her degree from her time on the beat in places like Bedford Stuy, the colloquial Degree from the University of Brooklyn North.
“This meaning I have a strong understanding of the DRUG problem the County, as a whole is facing and some possible remedies for such. As a cop on the street , a town Justice and my work in the Queens Court Section / Queens DA's office I offer an unique perspective!
As a Rescue Worker and 1st Responder thru many catastrophic events including the 1993 bombing of the Trade Center, 2001, numerous riots, plane crashes, strikes and storms there too I have a strong understanding of what is needed for crisis management and all endeavors related to,” she said.
She also cites experience as “a successful small business owner, management is key and there again strong leadership all of which I possess. Retail and Restaurant experience/ ownership proves unrelenting work ethic and devotion. My family has been in Real Estate for decades and I also possess knowledge in that field!”
Pietromonaco also cited “many issues plaguing the Board of Supervisors. Besides the political polarization- they are experiencing inflation, reduced work force issues, environmental issues like biosolids, and recycling— opiods, homelessness just to name a few. Not to mention development and sales tax also.”
“We can do better!”
Pietromonaco describes herself as “fiscally conservative but sociological moderate. I believe good common sense approaches with adherence to the law are needed.”
“I believe that the Board needs to be transparent , responsible and accountable to their constituents . I am open to debate and working far above and away from party lines and believe in the hard work that improves the community whether it be Town or County. It is the Boards duty and responsibility to work towards the betterment of the County regardless, and to answer to the constituency in an open, truthful and timely manner!” she said.
Pietromonaco believes that she will be a “strong asset” at the county level.
Council candidate Robert Crosby said, “I decided to run for the remaining 2 years of the open Town Council position in the Town of Fulton because I felt that I could help put a stronger influence on Public Safety in our community. We have a growing problem of drug use and crime in the Town of Fulton that needs to be addressed.”
He said that his priorities for the town “will be the safety of our citizens especially for the elderly and of our school children. Some of my other priorities will be for establishing better access to the internet and phone service.”
“There are also numerous roads in our community that are dangerous especially in winter that need to be improved hopefully with the help of County and State funds,” he said.
Crosby cited his experience writing and managing “extremely large budgets” and supervising government union employees during his work at the Long Island Railroad where he supervised the Mechanical Division from Central Control from his position as Master Mechanic.
The Republican ticket is:
William D. Jaycox, Jr. for Highway Superintendent
John P. Felitti for Town Justice
Maryann Pietromonaco for Town Supervisor
Robert J. Crosby for Town Council
George Sherwood for for Town Assessor
Rebecca Noxon for Town Council
Chris Luhr for Schoharie County District Attorney
Marcy Sammons for Town Council
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