Two Seats up on M'burgh Board

By David Avitabile

MIDDLEBURGH - Three people are on the ballot and one person is a write-in for two open seats on the Middleburgh town board.

Incumbents Carrie Shaul and Wes Laraway, newcomer Erynne Ansel-McCabe and write-in Susan London are running for two, three-year open seats on the town board that will be filled in Tuesday's election.

Running for the town council are:

Wes Laraway

Mr. Laraway, a Republican, said he is running for re-election to the Town Board because he believes that he has done a good job over the six years he has been on the Board first a supervisor and then councilman.

"As a Town Board we work well together for the best interests of the Middleburgh taxpayers. The Town of Middleburgh has been my home for most of my life."

In the town, Mr. Laraway said that taxes received and budgeting of that money in services are always one of the most important issues. "Any politician that tells you taxes are going to go down is lying. The goal should be to control the spending in a responsible manner. We are currently doing that with a budget of about a million dollars a year."

For the town board, he said his qualities are, "I am hard working, honest and conservative. I am also protective of Middleburgh and the charm of this Town and Valley."

Erynne Ansel-McCabe

Ms. Ansel McCabe, a Democrat, also ran for the town board last year.

"The reason I run for Town Board, both this year and last, is to give people a choice and I believe I have the skill set to accomplish the work that needs to be done." she said.

She said she has spoken to may residents of Middleburgh and created a list of proposals and ideas for the town. She said she did a survey during the Middleburgh parade, at the Middleburgh Post Office on various days and with friends and family.

"The results are the set of points that follow that I feel are important issues and deemed to be by our Middleburgh community as well."

* Sidewalk replacement and continued safety issues – working with Village.

* Small business support and attracting new businesses – a designated sub-committee from the Town Board would be necessary and would work with MABA, Rotary and others.

* Traffic issues on Main Street/Route 145 – especially speeding through the 20mph zone during school hours – working with the NYS Department of Transportation to update signage and more.

* Comprehensive Plan written years ago and shelved. Time to dust off and put into action.

* Discussion and implementation of an emergency alternative street/route in the Town and Village.

* Reviewing Traffic light on Main and River Street for better flow patterns and possible lane addition.

* Adding bicycle lanes on main thruways for tourism trails, economic development support, and safety.

* Reviewing Scenic Byway status for Route 30 and following State regulations to fortify.

* Working with Schoharie County Tourism to enhance our area in real time. Working with SEEC to fortify all possible grants and economic develop issues. "I currently work with these organizations now."

* Other – She is still asking the questions and will do so leading up to the election. She plans on continuing this work after the election whether she is elected or not.

"If I am elected to the position of Middleburgh Town Council, I will ask the Board and Supervisor if I can take the lead on the above points for implementation," she said.

Carrie Shaul

Ms. Shaul, a Republican, is currently on the town board.

She said she is running for the town board again "because I would like to continue to serve our community and ensure that town spending and policy represents the best interest of Middleburgh’s constituents."

She says there are several issues facing the town.

"The top issues that I see at the town level are related to high cost of living, Ms. Shaul said.

"It makes tasks like operating on the budget, maintaining a skilled workforce, and offering services tricky. Solving these issues requires conservative spending practices and resourcefulness. It also requires good communication with our town's departments, officials and employees."

Ms. Shaul said she is dedicated to the town and its future.

"Throughout my time on the board, I believe that I have demonstrated that I can productively work with others to come up with solutions and use tax payer dollars wisely.

"On a personal level, as someone who is from here and is currently raising a family here, I am committed to Middleburgh’s success and future. It is important when you elect someone to represent you, that they are well informed, are consistently engaged and understand the Town’s scope and responsibilities.

"In my opinion, we currently have a great team of people who always show up and are working hard to best serve the constituents of our beautiful town every day. I would be honored to serve another term and I thank you for your support."

Former Middleburgh elementary school teacher Susan London is running a write-in campaign.

Other races in the town are:

* Town clerk/collector, three-year term: Renee Schmidt, Republican.

* Highway superintendent, three-year term: Christopher Andrew, Democrat, Stephen Kowalski, Republican.