Category: The Landing

I contacted the Washington County Board of Elections this morning and as of 9:00 a.m. they had received 48 absentee ballots from voters in the Town of Dresden.

They will start counting the absentee ballots on Tuesday, November 12th.

Stayed tuned.

Tuesday Machine Vote Totals (Unofficial)
Absentee Ballots still to be counted.

Below are the machine vote totals from Tuesday’s election. As of 3:45 p.m. Tuesday, 45 absentee ballots have been returned to the Board of Elections. The Supervisor’s race will be decided by the absentee ballots. They will be counted next week and I will update the vote count then.

Town Supervisor			Votes
George Gang			111
Robert Banks			106
Town Board (2 winners)
Donald “Pat” Greenough*			153
Ed Raymond*			132
Carl Sobeck			82
Town Justice
Jared Eggleston*			138
Helen Marie Sunkenberg			66

   

* Projected Winner

Golf Course benches put away and stored for the winter.

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.

At the end of the Halloween parade, children received free ice cream cones.

Columbus Day weekend is now officially past us, so this means another “off-season” waiting for all the fun to start again.

In case you missed it, the children’s Halloween parade started at the post office and ended at the Casino, where the children received free ice cream cones.

Today, I post a candidate interview with Pat Greenough, Republican nominee for Dresden Town Board. 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. Greenough’s responses.

Could you please tell us about yourself and why you are running for the town board?

My name is Donald “Pat” Greenough and I was born and raised here in Dresden. My wife, Kathy, and I have been married for 37 years and have raised our 3 children here. I feel it is my civic duty to “give back” to our community. I have deep roots here and want to be a part of Dresden’s future.

Could you tell us about some of your “life experiences” that have formed your outlook on the world?

I served my country in the US Army and met a lot of people and heard many views of politics. I have been involved locally with the Town politics for 20+ years and learned you must be involved to make changes and grow.

Are you involved in any church, civic or other community organization that works to make Dresden a better place?

I am currently a member of the American Legion and the Elks.

What are some of the things you like to do as hobbies in your spare time?

My family had a dairy farm in Dresden for many years. I am currently raising beef cattle now and enjoy farming. I enjoy hunting, fishing and camping.

As a prospective Town official, what do you consider your greatest strengths?

I have been on the board for 20 plus years. I bring a lot of experience with me.

1.) Leadership role with DPW. (Equipment Supervisor)
2.) 29 years with the Department of Public Works (Highway)
3.) Experience working with County Highway Budget
4.) Experience with contract negotiations

Editor’s note: I would like to thank Mr. Greenough for his responses. Interview questions and answers are published in the order in which they are received.

Today, I post a candidate interview with Jared Eggleston, the Republican nominee for Dresden Town Justice. While voters play a critical role in deciding who should be judges, judicial candidates are limited in discussing certain subjects and cannot state how they would rule in specific cases. Below are my questions and Mr. Eggleston’s responses.

Can you explain what the Town Justice does?

The Dresden Town court is separate from all other town businesses.

The Town Justice is responsible for judicial and administrative duties while providing source of legal information to the community. In addition, the justice is responsible for the communication of all legal matters with all levels of the law enforcement agencies.

Many times the court justice is called upon at any hour of the day or night for arraignments for this court and adjacent town courts. The local Town Justice can act as a Family Court Judge in the absence of the County Family Court Judges when not in session.

All records and monetary transactions for the court must be maintained in a computer generated system for audit purposes.

The Town Justice must maintain a high level of continued education annually.

Last but not least the Justice must have the ability to make reasonable and sound judgments with ethical standards, using consideration at all times under the confines of the laws “with interests and justice for all.”

Could you tell us about yourself and your background?

Married with 2 children ages 5 – Marissa & 8 – Ethan.
Spouse (Becky) works as an Elementary School Guidance Counselor with a Masters Degree

Occupation: Production Leader, General Electric Aviation
Currently have 13 years of service working my way from an hourly machine operator to a Production Leader.

Education: Received a Bachelors in Economics from SUNY Potsdam in 1998.

Age: 39

Who is responsible for the Town Justices Budget and could the costs of judicial administration be lowered?

The Town Justice’s budget is set by the Dresden Town Board, however the Justice’s of the town continually seek grants and other resources through the state to minimize as many administrative costs as possible.

As a prospective Town Justice, what do you consider your greatest strengths?

Some of my strengths are the ability and willingness to adapt to all situations, changes in the laws and regulations, and maintaining a broad and fair-minded perspective.

I am of the belief that the law needs to be dispensed fairly and proficiently to each and every individual.

Editor’s note: I would like to thank Mr. Eggleston for his responses. Interview questions and answers are published in the order in which they are received.

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.

Mr. Ed Raymond is a candidate for Dresden Town Board.

Today, I post a candidate interview with Ed Raymond, Republican nominee for Dresden Town Board. 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. Raymond’s responses.

Could you please tell us about yourself and why you are running for the town board?

Hello, I’m Ed Raymond. I have lived here in our township of Dresden for 52 years now. I have raised two wonderful children. Dresden is a wonderful place for families and raising our children. As a lifelong resident, a seat on the town board will enable me to contribute in decisions for our community that we all share.

Could you tell us about some of your “life experiences” that have formed your outlook on the world?

I formerly owned and operated Route 22 Sales and Service of Dresden at which time I drove school bus for Whitehall Central Schools for 6 years. I have served in the U.S. Army and I am currently employed at Rutland Vermont General Electric Aviation, building jet engines for our military.

Are you involved in any church, civic or other community organization that works to make Dresden a better place?

I have been involved in many charitable events which have benefited some of our local organizations such as our local Youth League and the Dresden Fire Company.

What are some of the things you like to do as hobbies in your spare time?

My hobbies include hunting, fishing, outdoor activities, researching history and going to the races with my son.

As a prospective Town official, what do you consider your greatest strengths?

I have the ability to get along with others and respect everyone’s viewpoint. My intent is to make a difference for all of us.

Sincerely,
Ed Raymond

Editor’s note: I would like to thank Mr. Raymond for his responses. Interview questions and answers are published in the order in which they are received.