Today, I post a candidate interview with Bob Banks, Republican and Adirondack Fairness nominee for Dresden Town Supervisor. Every town candidate running for election in this November’s local election has now answered one of my questionnaires. Below are my questions and Mr. Bank’s responses.
As the longest serving Dresden Town Supervisor, most voters know you well. However you are running again. What would you still like to accomplish as Town Supervisor?
I look forward to retiring the Debt of Sewer District #1 next year. I was on the Town Board when we formed the District, and Supervisor when we secured the zero percent financing and did the construction of the new system. I also hope to see the two (sewer line) stream crossings in that system put under the stream with the grant that we are now applying for. There are several other items that the County is working on to hold the line on taxes while still providing needed services that I am sure that my input will help.
Could you tell us about some of your “life experiences” that have formed your outlook on the world?
I first registered to vote in the Town of Dresden in 1970 while on active duty in the Navy. I have been a full time resident of the Town of Dresden since being released from active duty in 1972. I retired from the Naval Reserve in 2008 with over 38 years of service. I have been married to wife Joyce (Monty) for over 28 years and have two boys, Scott age 26 and Troy age 25, both graduates of SUNY College at Oneonta.
I held the rank of Senior Chief Gunners Mate (E-8) in the Naval Reserve, and have served as Selective Reserve Command Senior Chief for Naval Reserve Center Glens Falls, NY and for Naval Weapons Station Earle NJ Reserve Detachment 1102. I have completed numerous Navy schools dealing with leadership as well as technical and administrative duties and responsibilities.
As Town Supervisor, I have served as chief executive and chief financial officer of the Town of Dresden for 20 years. I have attended hundreds of hours of training provided by the State, County, The association of Towns and others to ensure that I can properly perform the duties of Town Supervisor and member of the County Board of Supervisors. I have served on the Board of Directors of the Adirondack Association of Towns and Villages .
I represent Washington County on the Inter-county Legislative Committee of the Adirondacks (former Chairman}, the Adirondack Park Local Government Review Board (former Vice-chairman), the DEC Region 5 Open Space Committee, and the DEC Region 5 Fish and Wildlife Management Board (Current Chairman).
I represent the DEC Region 5 Fish and Wildlife Management Board on the New York State Fish and Wildlife Management Board formerly serving as State Chairman.
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?
I think that the best thing local government can do is leave people alone. We should not try to over regulate. We must let those entities qualified to regulate certain activities do so and listen to the science when it comes to decisions we make. We have found that working with businesses to solve problems works. By the way, the Town Government has nothing to do with the School Budget or School Taxes. We do have the lowest equalized Town Tax Rate in the County.
What are some of the things you like to do as hobbies in your spare time?
I like to hunt and fish, though I haven’t been fishing in a while. I also do quite a lot of work on firearms. (Something I learned in the Navy.)
As Town Supervisor, what do you consider your greatest strengths?
I know how to do the job both on the Town and County levels. I have discovered that problem solving requires listening, understanding, doing research, and sometimes seeking assistance. I know how to lead, follow and develop teamwork.
Thank You,
Robert S. Banks
Editor’s note: I would like to thank Mr. Banks for his responses. I would also like to thank you, readers of the Huletts Current, for your continued readership. Interview questions and answers are published in the order in which they are received.