Mr. George Gang is a candidate for Dresden Town Supervisor.
Today, I post a candidate interview with George Gang, Democratic nominee for Dresden Town Supervisor. I have sent candidate questionnaires to all those running in this year’s town elections and will post their responses as received. Below are my questions and Mr. Gang’s responses.
Could you tell us about yourself and why you are running for Town Supervisor?
My name is George Gang, and it is time to bring the Town of Dresden into the 21st century. We need an open government, including the budget process, and clear communications between the board and the Town’s residents. I have lived here with my wife, Anda, for 35 years. I’ve degrees in both Business Administration and Public Administration. My experience as an owner of two businesses, and years in medical device manufacturing as the Senior Buyer, taught me how to utilize resources people bring to the table. My military service taught me how to work in a huge bureaucracy.
Could you tell us some about your “life experiences” that have formed your outlook on the world?
My world outlook was initially influenced by my service in Viet Nam. Military life teems with people from differing ways of life. This taught me the importance of listening and considering all points of view. Upon retiring, I was the full time caretaker for my mother-in-law. She was in her home until she passed away. This experience taught me how fragile our lives are, and the importance of being prepared for the future. I owned two small businesses which taught me how to deal with both government and other bureaucracies. Extensive travel further broadened my global outlook on life.
Dresden has a fragile economic “ecosystem,” which includes high school taxes but a good quality of life. How do we attract investment to our small town without changing its fundamental character?
It is time to consider funding options outside of the norm as industry will not come to Dresden, or Washington County for that matter. We should take advantage of granting foundations and stimulus opportunities. We have talent here in Dresden. Let’s explore opportunities to support local artisans as a tourist draw to the area. This is a community of geographic and economic diversity. It is important to assess our resources. This could provide potential funding streams for historical development. We, as a town, need to set goals and pursue them.
What are some of the things you like to do as hobbies in your spare time?
My wife tells me that my tomatoes are manna from heaven. Gardening and reading are my favorite activities. I am a news hound, gathering information through a variety of media sources, print, computer, and TV. Discussions with people I come across in life add to my enjoyment of life. I love walking and hiking, and this goes without saying, enjoying time with my family and friends. I have been watching an Osprey nest visible from my home the past two seasons, and I am a member of the Adirondack Mountain Club. I help friends when asked.
As a prospective Town official, what do you consider your greatest strengths?
I like to look at the “big picture”. Activities of today affect both the near and long-term future. I feel that the town is more ‘Reactive’ and only looks at the ‘present’ instead of being ‘Proactive’ and planning for the future. I am also a very organizational type person. I can look at systems and reorganize them to be more efficient and logical.
Editor’s note: I would like to thank Mr. Gang for his responses. Interview questions and answers are published in the order in which they are received.