by Thaddeus Flint
The Town of New Lebanon goes to the polls next Tuesday and to help readers make informed decisions at the ballots the Eastwick Press has compiled the profiles, in their own words, of a number of the candidates running. Not every candidate running is listed as not every candidate or their party responded to requests for information.
The big race this election season is between the incumbent Town Supervisor, Margaret Robertson, and newcomer Mike Benson.
Margaret Robertson – Incumbent, Town Supervisor
Robertson is a lifelong resident of New Lebanon. With two terms as Councilwoman
and two terms as Town Supervisor, Robertson has twelve years of government experience. She writes that she “actively participated in writing and implementing the Town’s Comprehensive Plan and Zoning ordinance, is aggressively seeking DEC and County’s sole responsibility for landfill closure, is partnering with the LVPA for town-wide coverage in weather emergencies, maintained careful oversight of the budget for four years, presented a 0% tax levy for the 2012 budget, is involved with the Shaker Museum to expedite their establishment at Mt. Lebanon, supports preservation of conservation lands by Town and county entities and is negotiating to bring another bank to Town. Robertson said that she has a flexible schedule, is a proactive problem solver and is a strong voice for the Town at the County, State and Federal level. Next Up for Robertson: writing a noise ordinance and writing additional “overlay” pieces for new zoning.
Mike Benson – Town Supervisor
This fall, residents of New Lebanon will make an important choice, deciding who will lead the Town over the coming years and work toward a better future for the community we love. I am proud to announce to you my candidacy for
Town Supervisor, because I believe I can make a difference and lead New Lebanon to a greater tomorrow and improved quality of life.
The Bensons have been proud to call New Lebanon home for generations. I was raised on the family dairy farm on County Route 5. Shadowbrook Farm is the place where Christine and I are now raising my four children. In 1993, at the age of 23, I started my own construction company, BCI Construction, headquartered today in Albany.
Darcy Poppy – Incumbent, Town Justice
Because Judge Poppey has been a certified paralegal since 2003 and has over 14 years experience 
in the areas of Vehicle and Traffic law, Penal Law, she claims to be the only qualified candidate for Town Justice. Since her election as New Lebanon Town Court Justice in 2008, Judge Poppey has presided over the criminal and civil matters in the Town Court fairly, efficiently and without favoritism, she said. She has secured over $28,000 in State grant funds for administration of the Court and, with her administrative skills, has streamlined the efficiency of the Town Court. Judge Poppey said she would be honored to continue her efforts to ensure that the Town Court continues to run fairly and efficiently. Darcy is also a lifelong resident of the Town and is endorsed by the Independence and Conservative parties.
Jack Nevers – Town Justice
Jack Nevers and his wife of 40 years, June, have resided in the New Lebanon – Canaan area now for 40 years and have 6 grown children and 11 grandchildren.
Jack served as the Town Justice for the Town of New Lebanon from 1996 to 2008 and would like to serve again.
Jack graduated from Dalton, MA, High School, attended Berkshire Community College and was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army as a Sergeant. He retired after 27 years in finance from the Beloit paper making machine company in 
Dalton, MA. He then went to work for Rouse Motor Express and Albany Mack B-3 where he was the parts manager. Now in semi-retirement, Jack is a part time transfer driver for Ryder Truck rental in Ghent, NY.
Republican Jack Nevers is a 39 year member and past president of the Lebanon Valley Protective Association where he was also an EMT. He also served on the New Lebanon Town Board for 10 years and was the Court Constable for 3½ years. Many locals will also remember Jack as being the highly respected head umpire of the Echo Softball League for 15 years many years ago. Jack was a past member of the Lions Club. He’s presently a member of the New Lebanon Ethics Board.
The New Lebanon Town Board is on record claiming that the New Lebanon Town Court is dysfunctional and Jack’s goal is to bring harmony back to the New Lebanon Town Court.
Bruce Baldwin – Incumbent, Town Council
Bruce Baldwin’s motto is Committed To Good Government. “As Town Supervisor from 1988 to 1995, I secured resolutions obligating the closure of the New Lebanon Landfill by the County and implemented the “User Fee” and recycling at the County level, He said. He was elected Councilman in 2007 and lists as his accomplishments that he secured the neglected Town Hall from destruction by fire, re-educated the Town Board regarding landfill agreements with the County, provided experience with the Town’s budgetary role and began work on resolving the Town Hall issue. “I believe involvement is more than one meeting a month. My work as liaison between the Highway Dept.. and the Zoning Dept. has proven to me that we have some of the best employees around. I will continue to support them. Effective communication between elected officials is key to a smooth running local government,” Baldwin said.
Matt Larabee – Town Council
I am a lifelong resident of the Town of New Lebanon as well as a 28 year member of the Lebanon Valley Protective Association. I am also a member of the Columbia County Hazardous Materials Team and the Columbia County Fire Advisory Board. I am a NYS Emergency Propane Responder as well as an instructor. I currently serve the citizens of New Lebanon’s Emergency Management Office. I represent our Town on the Columbia County Traffic Safety Board and am the acting Chairman of the New Lebanon Ethics Board. I am actively involved in our family operated business in New Lebanon, and I serve as the Charter Organization Representative for our local Cub Scout troop.
Bob Smith – Town Council
Bob Smith is a lifelong local, son of Bob and Martha, father of five, grandpa of one. At age 59 he is full time farmer, employed by Larry and Heather Eckhardt of Kinderhook Creek Farm in Stephentown. His sister Judy and her husband Don Leab own and operate Ioka Valley Farm in Hancock, MA. Bob raises beef cattle independently as well. Bob wants to see more open government, less corruption, more programs for seniors and youth, less zoning and a more business-friendly procedure. Bob will be available to residents to discuss concerns and issues at any time.
Chuck Geraldi – Town Council
Unfortunately, Candidate Geraldi was not contacted by this paper for comments. Geraldi is on the Republican ticket. He has run for Town Council before.
Colleen Teal – Incumbent, Town Clerk
Colleen Teal has spent 9½ years as Town Clerk with proven dedication and commitment to the citizens of the Town. She established the Town’s quarterly Newsletter and created and maintains the Town’s website. Teal is a 39 year resident of the New Lebanon. She has a B.S. in Business Administration from Russell Sage College, Magna Cum Laude. “I have lived in New Lebanon since I was a child and have a true love for the community. I am committed to serving the citizens of New Lebanon, and I believe this is apparent in the way I operate my office,” she said.
Tammie Darcy, Incumbent, Tax Collector
Tammie Darcy, the current Town/County Tax Collector, is experienced in professional customer service and financial responsibility. She said that she is honest and reliable and is proud to have served the New Lebanon taxpayers for the last two years. A long time resident, she lives with her husband and children on Lover’s Lane. She is endorsed by the Democratic, Republican, Independence and Conservative parties.
Jeff Weinstock – Incumbent, Highway Superintendent
I have lived in the Town of New Lebanon and was born and raised here. I have two girls who attend New Lebanon Jr./Sr. High School. I have worked for the Town for 26 years, 22 of which I have been Highway Superintendant. I have always taken great pride in maintaining the Town roads.