There are four people seeking to fill the three seats up for election this year on the Village Board. The Eastwick Press asked all four candidates for a brief statement about their election campaign. Here is what they sent us.
Ben Patton
I decided to run again because I feel that after all of the challenges our Village has been through, and continues to face, that I need to see the job through. Since the time I was appointed in 2013, elected in 2014 and re-elected in 2016, we have seen some severe issues and many of those issues continue to need the attention of the Village officials. The on-going issues with the water demand our continued attention, along with the solutions to those problems such as finding an alternative water source.
Beyond the water issues, we still have to find ways to continue bringing business into Hoosick Falls and keep those that are here strong.
With the Mayor’s support and the current Village Board encouraging me to run, it will help us continue to make progress.
I will continue to do what I’ve always done – be part of a team that is facing some serious decisions and making the best choices I can while bearing in mind the interests of everyone that lives in the Village of Hoosick Falls.
Emily Marpe
I am running for a position as a Trustee for the Village of Hoosick Falls. I have been employed as a Developmental Specialist for the past 10 years for Baroco Corporation in Pittsfield, MA, providing a much-needed service to adults with mental and physical disabilities. A lifelong area resident and a graduate of Berlin Central School, I currently live in the Village of Hoosick Falls with my two children, Ethan and Gwen.
I have been a strong advocate for the residents affected by the PFOA chemical contamination in Hoosick Falls and Petersburgh. Throughout the contamination crisis, I have actively worked with multiple government agencies, including NYSDOH, NYSDEC, and Rensselaer County DOH, to coordinate public education campaigns and secure access to safe drinking water. I have attended many town and village board meetings to stay current on the issues facing the community and advocate for residents. I have also been instrumental in pressuring elected officials to install a water filtration system for the Town of Berlin, providing clean water for Berlin Elementary School.
Throughout these experiences, I have learned that one person really can make a difference. I have also learned the value of collaboration, being a good listener, and taking each person’s viewpoint into consideration. There are currently many important issues facing our community that I am eager to address from the reassessment values, Woods Brook, and securing a new water source. I am passionate about making our community a safer place for future generations.
Vanessa Lewis
My name is Vanessa Lewis and I’m running for Hoosick Falls Village Board. I graduated from Hoosick Falls High School 15 years ago and am now raising my family, as well as running a business, in our beautiful town. I am very passionate about our community and want to take an active role in making it the best it can be. While the water situation is a very sensitive and an important subject, my platform focuses on economic development and the growth our village needs. We have a proud history and culture as well as the ideal downtown setup. Hoosick Falls needs fresh, creative ideas. We need persistence and devoted energy. These ideals will lead to a prosperous future. I have endless ideas and passion to help bring about the change we need. If elected, my focus will be bringing new businesses to our town and help them soar to new heights. This is my home, I am proud of where I’m from, and will make every effort possible to help others feel the same.
Craig Pine
Hello, my name is Craig Pine, and I am currently running for a seat on the Hoosick Falls Village Board. I believe that the combination of my personal experience as a resident of the village for 17 years, and my upbringing in the Town of Hoosick and education make me an ideal candidate for the village board.
I grew up in West Hoosick and attended HFCS, graduating in 1986. I graduated from RPI in 1990 with a degree in Materials Engineering and began my career with General Motors in Rochester, NY. After working for RockShox in San Jose, CA, I decided to move back to my hometown in 1999. I became a village resident in 2000, purchasing a home in the village in 2001, where I have raised a family with my wife, Denise, and our two children, Chelsea and Alex.
I believe a position on the village board would be an opportunity for me to bring my educational background and personal experience to assist the village with our current efforts to tackle the big issues we face. Not only do these issues include the current situation regarding PFOA pollution, but also include big challenges such as the Woods Brook recovery, economic growth and development, and other challenges. I believe the decisions facing the village should be based on a thorough review of relevant facts, goals, and desired outcomes.
Polling Hours
The polls are open from Noon to 9 pm, at the Municipal Building at 24 Main Street. The vote is on Tuesday, March 20.