2011 is an election year in the Town of Dresden so I’ll be continuing my interviews with candidates running for local office during the weeks ahead.
Today, I’m asking a few questions of Allen Wilbur, a Republican nominee who is running for one of two seats up for election on the Town Board. Allen is married to Marci Wilbur, the current Town Clerk, so don’t get confused. I ran Marci’s interview last week. Today, I ask some questions of Allen who is running for a seat on the Town Board. His responses are below.
To begin, could you tell us a little about yourself? (Education, hobbies, etc.)
Hello, my name is Allen Wilbur. I was born and raised in the town of Dresden. I graduated from Whitehall High school in 1984, I then attended the NYS Corrections Academy in 1989 and have worked in Comstock, NY since 1992. I am also a small business owner here in Dresden. My wife, Marci, and I started Lake View Blueberries in 2004 and also started our own Maple sugar house last year to add to the business. I like to fly fish and tie my own flies as well, and have given a few lessons now and then. I love to grow things in our gardens and our fruit trees are just doing awesome and get better with the passing of time.
It’s always good to have new people interested in serving. Are there any issues which spurred you to run?
I decided to run for no other reason than, I love this great little town. I would like to see it grow with a small store maybe, something more convenient for all. I have served on a budget committee for the Log Chapel in Putnam, and am a trustee for Grace Baptist Church in Whitehall.
Why should people consider voting for you?
I only want what is best for the town as a whole. I don’t want to hear about our side or their side of the mountain, I only want what’s best for all. I have always been known as a man of my word. If I don’t know the answer I don’t have a problem saying so, but I also will get the answer if I can.
Taxes have always been a big issue in Dresden. Can you give us your thoughts on Dresden’s tax policy.
Our town taxes don’t seem to be the issue. It’s the school taxes that are hurting us all.
Dresden is a large town, made up of unique sections. The different areas that make up Dresden sometimes see things differently. What is your vision for the entire town moving forward?
Like I had said before, we need to focus as one town as a whole. If we keep dividing it into separate parts we won’t accomplish anything.
Thanks Allen for taking the time to inform the voters and good luck in the election. We need people committed to making our town a better place for everyone.