KT: What inspired you to seek this office?
BW: I first considered seeking this office when the new county charter created single-member legislative districts, as I feel it is the best way to directly represent the citizens of Ulster County. Of course at that time our new district was most fortunate to be represented by the excellent Legislator Jeanette Provenzano.
In May when Jeanette Provenzano chose to seek another office, I decided it was time for me to seek this office and further serve the residents of my hometown and Ulster County.
KT: What is the top issue in your opinion facing the voters of District 7?
BW: By a large margin my friends and neighbors in the district have told me they’re concerned about keeping their property taxes affordable while also receiving the essential services the county provides. I’ve listened to them, and they are correct!
When I am elected I will focus everyday on protecting the interest of the property taxpayers and stakeholders in Kingston and the county as a whole.
KT: How in your opinion, can the county government best serve the city?
BW: As the county seat, the City of Kingston hosts many facilities owned by the county government. Whether it is a stop at the DMV, filing a document with the County Clerk’s Office, or obtaining a permit from the Health Department the convenience of these locations is a benefit for our residents. Not to mention the economic activity generated by having these county employees working here in our city.
Recently the county renovated the former Sophie Finn elementary School on Mary’s Avenue, and opened a brand-new satellite campus for SUNY Ulster at this location. This represents a tremendous opportunity for people living and working in the city to attend college courses right here in the heart of the city for the first time in generations. Initiatives such as this are a great example of how the county can best serve the people of Kingston.
Going forward, the county owns surplus real properties located within the city limits, I will support the efforts being undertaken to sell these surplus properties and put them back on the tax rolls. This will generate much needed revenue for the county, but it will also protect the property taxpayers in Kingston, while also generating economic activity.
The work of transitioning any county real property to the private sector must also include careful consideration to appropriately preserve structures which represent unique architectural features or are of historical significance. Appropriate preservation efforts not only encourage economic development but also foster a sense of appreciation for our unique history.
KT: What is your take on the rail-trail issue?
BW: The advent of rail trails throughout Ulster County has generated many benefits for its residents. These linear parks not only provide admission free and healthy recreational opportunities, but also have attracted tourism and created economic activity.
The rail trails are popular with the people of Ulster County, as the new public access to these areas offer even lifelong residents views they’ve never seen before, and a fresh appreciation for the railroading history of Ulster County.
It is with eager anticipation that I look forward to the opening of the rail trail right here in the 7th District. This extraordinary new rail trail will begin at the Rondout and will continue all the way up to the area just behind the Rondout Savings Bank building on Broadway. I’m excited at the prospect of walkers and cyclists enjoying this new amenity right here at home!
I support the continuation of tourism railroad operating here in Kingston. In my view the county executive has proposed a sensible solution for the continued operation of this tourist attraction. Furthermore, the current leaseholder needs to take responsibility for, and clean up the rail yard they have operated behind Field Court and next to Cornell Street in Midtown, as the current conditions there are unacceptable.
KT: Why should someone vote for you and not the other person?
BW: My 19 years of public service as the purchasing Agent for the City of Kingston has provided me with the practical experience of working in the day-to-day business operation of a local government. During my tenure I have produced tangible and measurable results for the taxpayers of Kingston.
Often during my career with the city we have faced some unexpected challenges which needed practical, immediate and cost-effective solutions. For example, in 2007 Mayor Sottile informed me the air handling system at City Court had a mold condition, and the need to find a secure location within the city limits to temporarily relocate the court operations was urgent.
It was my suggestion to the mayor that the recently vacated Ulster County Jail located on Golden Hill could be used. Together with the help of Ulster County officials and employees, along with the New York State Office of Court Administration we were able to swiftly solve this problem in a cost effective way which minimized the price tag for the city property taxpayers.
In any human endeavor positive results are important; in local government positive results are critical and they often need to happen promptly as often public safety and tax dollars could be at risk.
The approach I’ve taken during this campaign is not an attempt to instruct people about how life in Kingston should be lived; instead I’m listening to my friends and neighbors, as their cares are my concerns.
My mother often would say, “Plan your work, and work your plan.” In the 7th Legislative District we need a legislator who not only makes plans but also produces real and lasting results for the taxpayers.
