Amenia Candidates 2011

Name: Brad Rebillard
Age: 51
Town: Amenia
Years lived in town: 4
Occupation/background: Licensed Real Estate Broker and owner of Dutchess Country Realty, in Millerton.  Partner in Rebillard Public Relations in Amenia,
Marital status, children: Married to Jeanne Shufelt Rebillard. Two sons, Andrew and Adam.
Position running for, term length: Sole Assessor, six-year term.
Political party: Republican
Running on what lines:  Independent & Conservative
Names of boards served in past and present: Harlem Valley Chamber of Commerce, vice president; NorthEast-Millerton Library, board of directors; Millerton Lions Club, vice president, president, board of directors and currently a member and Lions Club Calendar Chairman; Amenia Wastewater Committee member; North East/Millerton Affordable Housing Committee; Columbia County/Northern Dutchess Multiple Listing Service Board of Directors and current member; Realtor.com member.
 
In 100 words or less, explain what you think is the biggest issue facing your town and how you plan on addressing that once in office.
With America’s economy lagging these are very difficult times for the real estate market and property owners. Property values have plunged in the past few years and I want to champion tax relief in these tough times. My top priority will be to be accessible to property owners to help them understand the affects the economy has had on their taxes. I’ve extensive tools available to me through my real estate affiliations that can help me answer their more difficult questions. I’ll keep well maintained data, take necessary continuing education courses, but most importantly keep equity among parcels.

Have you served in this position before and for how long?  
I have never served as an assessor, and this is the first time that I am running for elected office.

What makes your town special in comparison to  the whole of Dutchess County?  
Amenia is special because of its farmland, rolling hills and its beautiful vistas. The railroad has made it an accessible commute to New York City, bringing many new residents and visitors to Amenia.   Together we have all created a community that people love to visit over and over, that offers a great weekend retreat and that provides a wonderful place to raise our children.

What makes you most qualified for the job?  
 I have worked in real estate in this area for more than 25 years as a certified real estate appraiser, rental property manager, listing and sales broker and owner/broker of Dutchess Country Realty, Inc. I do several property evaluations a week, including appraisals on properties. My extensive knowledge of the area and expert eye on market trends makes me best qualified and the most trained applicant for this position.   
 

Name: C.J. Hoss
Age: 29
Town: Amenia
Years lived in town: 21
Occupation/background: City Planner for Pittsfield, Mass.
Marital status, children: Married to Sunny McCool. No children.
Position running for, term length: Town of Amenia Town Councilperson, four-year term
Political party: Democratic
Running on what lines:  Democratic and Working Families
Names of boards served in past and present: Currently serving on the Amenia Conservation Advisory Council (CAC).  Formerly sat on the Lower Hudson Valley East Committee of the New York Metro Chapter of the American Planning Association.
 
In 100 words or less, explain what you think is the biggest issue facing your town and how you plan on addressing that once in office.
While the candidates appear to agree on the importance of several initiatives (i.e. the Rail Trail extension, provision of sewers in the hamlet, upgrades to Town Hall), there is currently no consensus on how to implement these initiatives. I believe the best way to make these projects happen, is sound short-term and long-range planning. The Town Board must make choices based on a comprehensive long-term vision for the town.
As a city planner, my job requires balancing immediate needs with comprehensive long-term planning. I believe my skill set will be an asset to the town of Amenia.

Have you served in this position before and for how long?  
No.  This is my first time running for Town Board.

What makes your town special in comparison to  the whole of Dutchess County?  
Amenia has many  assets that make our community unique in the region, including, but certainly not limited to: a largely preserved scenic landscape; numerous agricultural operations; an active volunteer community; the Harlem Valley Rail Trail; two commuter rail stations on the Metro-North Railroad Harlem Line; and a growing business and arts community.

What makes you most qualified for the job?  
I believe that my background as long-time Amenia resident and practicing professional planner has prepared me to not only understand and address many town issues (infrastructure, community development), but also to see projects through to completion.  My day-to-day tasks encompass comprehensive planning and zoning issues and I regularly work with developers on-site specific issues related to the impacts of development. I also have significant experience navigating the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) process and working with local and state government agencies, which I believe are essential skills for a Town Board member.   
 

Name: Lawrence “Larry” Moore
Age: 30
Town: Amenia
Years lived in town: Whole life — except for college and law school in Boston
Occupation/background: Whole life — except for college and law school in Boston
Marital status, children: Single, no children
Position running for, term length: Town assessor, six-year term.
Political party: Republican
Running on what lines: Republican
Names of boards served in past and present: Amenia Zoning Board of Appeals, 2010;  Amenia Planning Board, 2011

In 100 words or less, explain what you think is the biggest issue facing your town and how you plan on addressing that once in office.
Property taxes are out of control.  I will work with property owners to ensure that their assessments are accurate and fair.  I invite any property owner to meet with me at their convenience to discuss their assessment, and I will make adjustments thereto if merited. I will further undertake a comprehensive review of all property assessments and correct any inequities in property valuations.

Have you served in this position before and for how long?  
No.

What makes your town special in comparison to  the whole of Dutchess County?  
Amenia remains a predominantly rural and agricultural community not marred by strip mall development like southern and western Dutchess County.  I’d like to see it stay that way while encouraging smart and well-planned commercial development of our hamlet centers.

What makes you most qualified for the job?  
My education and experience as an attorney. I possess a BA in Political Science and History from Boston University and a Juris Doctorate from New England School of Law. I have filed and prosecuted Tax Grievances and Agricultural Exemptions throughout Dutchess County.

 

Name: Maureen Bonds
Age: 65
Town: Amenia
Years lived in town: 20
Occupation/background: AT&T Benefits Supervisor 24 years, retired; village of Millerton, Village Clerk/Treasurer 1991 to 1995; Amenia Town Clerk 2008 to present.
Marital status, children: married, four stepchildren, five grandchildren.
Position running for, term length: Amenia town clerk, two-year term.
Political party: Republican
Running on what lines: Republican and Conservative
Names of boards served in past and present: Amenia/Wassaic Seniors Board of Directors, standing vice president since August 2006; Amenia Emergency Response Team; assistant to town videographer for public service announcements on local access Channel 22; nominated as vice president of Dutchess County Town Clerk’s Association in October 2011.

In 100 words or less, explain what you think is the biggest issue facing your town and how you plan on addressing that once in office.
No response.

Have you served in this position before and for how long?  
Yes, since 2008.

What makes your town special in comparison to  the whole of Dutchess County?  
No response.

What makes you most qualified for the job?  
My experience with working in a municipal environment and public service for eight years has given me the opportunity to understand, respond to and meet the needs of the residents successfully. I will continue to have an “open door” policy, with a business-friendly atmosphere. Although I am running unopposed for the position of Amenia town clerk, my commitment remains the same; to serve the community with pride and to the best of my ability. “If I put a smile on someone’s face, then I know I have done my job well.”

 

Name: Norman Moore
Age: 69
Town: Amenia
Years lived in town: 69
Occupation/background: Lawyer
Marital status, children: Married, two children.
Position running for, term length: Town justice, four-year term.
Political party: Republican
Running on what lines: Republican
Names of boards served in past and present: Town of Amenia supervisor.

In 100 words or less, explain what you think is the biggest issue facing your town and how you plan on addressing that once in office.
Judicial position — I must decline responding to political issues.

Have you served in this position before and for how long?  
Yes, eight years.

What makes your town special in comparison to  the whole of Dutchess County?  
This community has retained its rural character more than all other municipalities in Dutchess County.

What makes you most qualified for the job?  
My training and educational background. I graduated from law school. I continue to take continuing legal education courses. I have practiced law in nearly all the courts in Dutchess County. I am well-qualified and familiar with the practice and procedure.
 

Name: Norman Raymond Cayea
Age: 81
Town: Amenia
Years lived in town: 50 plus
Occupation/background: Retired as director of nursing after 39 years of state service
Marital status, children: Married with four children.
Position running for, term length: Town councilman, four-year term.
Political party: Republican
Running on what lines: Republican and Conservative
Names of boards served in past and present: Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA); Conservation Advisory Council (CAC); Water Committee; Sewer Committee; Emergency Response Committee; Employee Handbook Committee; and All-Hazards Mitigation Committee (AHMC).
 

In 100 words or less, explain what you think is the biggest issue facing your town and how you plan on addressing that once in office.
There are a number of issues facing the town of Amenia, such as replacing the highway garage, finish work on the Town Hall, complete the Rail Trail to Wassaic and an installation of an affordable sewer system. The immediate issue is the budget for 2012. We have to deal with a 2 percent cap and a decreased revenue from the mortgage tax, sales tax, etc.

Have you served in this position before and for how long?  
I’m serving a 4-year term as town councilman.

What makes your town special in comparison to  the whole of Dutchess County?  
The outstanding scenic views and easy access to the Rail Trail.  We are the hub of Sharon, Millerton, Millbrook and Dover, making Amenia the ideal site for business.

What makes you most qualified for the job?  
I always try to do what’s best for the town and its people. I was the lead person in getting the meters installed for the water district. They were installed in a timely and cost-saving manner. The skills I learned during my past experience as director of nursing has helped in my councilman duties. In this position, I interacted with a wide range of people and a number of agencies. I wrote policies and procedures for the nursing department. Being retired, I will have time to spend on the many duties that council people are involved in.
 

Name:  Ron Gazzoli
Age:  74
Town:  Amenia
Years lived in town:  50
Occupation/background: Retired from Prudential after 30 years
Marital status, children:  Married with three grown children
Position running for, term length: Sole elected assessor.  The term is six years.
Political party:  Democrat
Running on what lines:  Democrat
Names of boards served in past and present:  None

In 100 words or less, explain what you think is the biggest issue facing your town and how you plan on addressing that once in office.
The biggest assessment issue facing our town is maintaining fair and equitable assessments in this varying real estate market.  In 2007, my office performed a noncontroversial town-wide reassessment that brought all property values to 100 percent of full market value.  Since that time, much has changed. Under rules passed down from the state, Amenia should be performing another reassessment in the next two or three years. As with the prior revaluation, it will require a great deal of hard work, experience and good judgment to ensure this upcoming project goes as well as the last one.

Have you served in this position before and for how long?  
I have served in this position for 22 years.

What makes your town special in comparison to  the whole of Dutchess County?  
Our town is a very nice rural community with easy access to shopping areas and the railroad.

What makes you most qualified for the job? 

Getting elected is only the first step in becoming an assessor. All assessors must be certified by the state to perform their duties. It takes two to three years to fulfill these requirements. With decades of experience, I am very proud to hold the highest certification of an advanced certified assessor.  My extensive experience, many achievements in office, a good rapport with my people make me uniquely qualified to serve another term and tackle another assessment from day one.
 

Name: Vicki Doyle
Age: 49
Town: Amenia
Years lived in town: 10
Occupation/background: Sr. development associate, Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies
Marital status, children: Married, 1 child, Erica Doyle, 14.
Position running for, term length: Town councilwoman, four-year term.
Political party: Democratic
Running on what lines: Democratic
Names of boards served in past and present: Vice president, Friends of Amenia; vice president, Stanford Nursery School; Town Board;  Wassaic Trail to the Train Committee; acting chair, Enhancement Committee; Conservation Advisory Council (CAC); Wastewater Committee; Comprehensive Plan Committee; Secretary to Planning Board; and Holiday of Lights Committee.

In 100 words or less, explain what you think is the biggest issue facing your town and how you plan on addressing that once in office.
The biggest issue is how to attract diverse businesses that provide good jobs, more shopping opportunities, and better tax base without destroying Amenia’s scenic beauty, farmland and natural resources. If elected, I will continue making our business hamlets more attractive, walkable places to live and work; promote cooperative solutions to septic and parking issues; encourage the use of tax incentives and flexible zoning laws; and complete the rail trail extension to Wassaic to bring visitors, recreation, pedestrian access and economic vitality to the hamlet.

Have you served in this position before and for how long?  
Yes, for the past eight years.

What makes your town special in comparison to  the whole of Dutchess County?  
As per its literal translation, pleasant to the eye, Amenia, has long been known for its unsurpassed scenic beauty, rich history and abundant natural resources. We need to find “smart growth” ways to leverage these natural assets without destroying them, or our quality of life.

What makes you most qualified for the job?  
I have 20 years of experience working with nonprofits to secure the resources needed to achieve their goals. I enjoy finding ways to effectively operate the town while minimizing the cost to taxpayers.

 

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