Many Positions Contested
compiled by Thaddeus Flint
Election day is this coming Tuesday and New Lebanon’s races are shaping up for a showdown with the current Town Clerk seeking to upset the Town Supervisor, two political new-comers vying for the Town Clerk’s position, and a long-time judge faces a new, much younger, opponent.
The entire ballot for Town positions is as follows:
[private]Town Supervisor (2 year term): Incumbent Mike Benson (Rep., Con., Ind.) faces Colleen Teal (Dem.)
Town Clerk (2 year term): Tistrya Houghtling (Dem.) faces Jen Kelly (Rep., Con., Ind.)
Town Justice (4 year term): Incumbent Jack Nevers (Rep., Ind.) faces Schuyler Gail (Dem.)
Town Council seats (4 year term): Mark Baumli (Dem.) and Kevin C. Smith Sr. (Dem.) are running unopposed. Councilman Matt Larabee and Councilwoman Irene Hanna have both decided not to run for re-election.
Tax Collector (2 year term) Tammie Darcy (Dem.), and Highway Superintendent (2 year term) Jeff Weinstock (Dem., Ind.) are also running unopposed.
To help residents make informed decisions the Eastwick Press has asked those candidates running opposed to tell a little bit about themselves and what they hope to achieve should they be elected or re-elected .
Mike Benson
Incumbent Town Supervisor
I am proud to have inspired, encouraged and actively assisted a large group of residents to get involved in the Town and to do positive things for the Town such as creating and maintaining the highly-popular Heritage Center, supporting the efforts of the Mt. Lebanon Shaker Museum, the Shaker Swamp Conservancy, and many more. I am running for a third term as Supervisor for those people and for all of those who benefit from good decision making in government – the taxpayers.
When I ran for Supervisor in 2011, I said I would build a Town Hall that residents would be proud of and could also afford. In 2012 we built that Town Hall at less than half the cost of what was originally designed and proposed.
I said that I would work to solve a 32 year old issue related to a former landfill in New Lebanon. In 2013 we reached an agreement with Columbia County without financially impacting the residents of New Lebanon. I said that I would look very deeply into spending and I have done that with a very steady hand. I am proud to have recently presented a budget for 2016 that, when combined with my prior three budgets, will result in a near 35% decrease in the tax levy in the Town of New Lebanon.
Colleen Teal
Candidate for Town Supervisor
As the Town Clerk for almost 14 year, I have gained extensive knowledge and experience about and shown my dedication to our town. A Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a minor in Accounting (Summa Cum Laude) and a background in financial positions provide additional qualifications for the job of Town Supervisor. As Town Clerk, I have enhanced public access to local government and improved the flow of information between residents and our government; developed and maintained contacts at the state and county level providing opportunities that benefit our town; and worked cooperatively with all town departments to enhance services.
As Supervisor, I will be a full-time in-house Supervisor providing accessibility to the public and staff; develop a long term asset management plan and reinstate our highway equipment and town hall IT repurchase programs. I will also seek ways to improve communication between the Town and our residents including reinstituting the Town newsletter.
There are many issues currently facing our town and we need a Supervisor that is present and willing to work on resolving issues. We also need true fiscal responsibility that looks to truly lighten the load on our taxpayers, not simply shift tax obligations from one tax line to another.
Jen Kelly
Candidate for Town Clerk
I am the youngest of six children and a longtime resident of New Lebanon. My family owned and operated Kelly’s Snack Bar, in the heart of the town, where I learned the importance of hard work and honest dedication. After graduating from Chatham High School, I served in the United States Army and was deployed during Operation Desert Storm, earning several Army Commendation Medals.
With over 20 years of administrative experience, I currently work as a contractor for the NY, NJ, and SC National Guard providing clinical data management services for soldiers. These experiences alone have made me adaptable to new leaderships and motivated to perform tasks with efficiency and confidentiality.
It is important to recognize that communication of the Town’s business cannot take just one form. I will bridge that communication through continued newsletters and an up to-date Town website.
The Office of Town Clerk, in my eyes, must be impartial. Our political system is built around party affiliations, but the residents of New Lebanon need to know that I will not let personal or Party considerations affect my job. The People of the Town deserve the highest level of customer service possible; I will strive every day to provide that.
Tistrya Houghtling
Candidate for Town Clerk
I am hoping for the chance to serve the residents of New Lebanon as their Town Clerk. I was born and raised here and graduated at the top of my class from the New Lebanon Jr/Sr High School in 1997.
My husband, Stephen Houghtling and I are now raising our three children here in this wonderful community. I currently work for the Town of New Lebanon as the Court Clerk and have been for the past five years. My husband owns and operates a small business here in town. I have decided to run for the position of Town Clerk to be able to give back to my community. I excel in customer service, organization, multi-tasking and have excellent follow through. If elected, I will go above and beyond and will always serve the residents with a smile and positive attitude. I hope to have the opportunity to work for you!
Jack Nevers
Incumbent Town Justice
Jack Nevers has served as Town Judge from 1996 to 2008 and 2012 to present. He graduated from Dalton High School, attended Berkshire Community College and was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army as a Sergeant. He retired from Beloit Paper in Dalton (finance), Rouse Motor Express, Albany Mack (parts manager) and Ryder Trucks.
As a 44 year member of the Lebanon Valley Protective Association and past president, he was also an EMT. He also served on the New Lebanon Town Board for ten years, part of it as Deputy Supervisor and he was the Court Constable for 3½ years.
Jack and his wife, June, of 44 years own their own home and have six grown children and 11 grandchildren.
Judge Nevers believes that a judge has to be professional, understanding, compassionate and a good listener with knowledge of the law by being tested and certified every year.
Schuyler Gail
Candidate for Town Justice
My young family, and I moved to New Lebanon four years ago from Berlin – where we were caretakers on my great-grandfather’s farm.
My husband and I run a small farm. We began with no formal training in farming, or business, but in a few years have learned to raise meat served at internationally renowned restaurants. Last year we won first place in a National Farming competition. I know how to work hard, solve problems and how to learn on the job. I’m not content to do a mediocre job – I will apply these values to being a judge.
I earned a college degree in the social sciences at Warren Wilson College. I have counseled teenagers, worked with people with mental illnesses, and substance abuse issues, among others. These experiences will help in court.
I have sought out experienced judges as mentors. I observe often in town court.
As judge I will be thoughtful and unbiased. I hope to refer offenders to rehabilitative services whenever appropriate, and to build up our community using restorative justice. I will approach this job with humility and thorough research.
I hope to be part of making our community safer and healthier.