Candidate Profiles — Amenia 2011

Name: Janet M. Reagon
Age: 65
Town: Amenia
Years lived in town: 65
Occupation/background: Retired teacher of history, government and economics, Webutuck Central School
Marital status, children: Married, three children, eight grandchildren
Position running for, term length: Town supervisor, two-year term
Political party: Democratic
Running on what lines: Democratic and Working Families
Names of boards served in past and present: Supervisor, Town Board; chair, Amenia Wastewater Committee; president, Webutuck Teachers’ Association; member, New York State United Teachers Area Studies Committee for the Social Studies; representative, Dutchess Educational Health Insurance Consortium (DEHIC); Amenia Day Nursery Board of Directors; secretary-treasurer, Oblong Valley Association; elder, Sunday School Superintendent and Teacher; president, Women of the Church, South Amenia Presbyterian Church; Hudson River Presbytery Committee for the Preparation for the Ministry; president, The Rex Brasher Association; chair, Amenia Democratic Committee; secretary, Dutchess Democratic Women’s Caucus; Endorsed Candidate of the DDWC; president, Violet H. Simmons Scholarship Board of Trustees; Board of Directors, Imagine Amenia

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.

In 2007, under my leadership, Amenia adopted a comprehensive plan update and enacted a new Zoning Law, after years of work by many people. Growth was planned for the hamlets, especially Amenia and Wassaic, but that cannot occur without sewage treatment systems. The zoning law must be enforced to protect the water resources of the town.  I will work to find affordable solutions to the sewer problem, so that economic development can occur, while protecting our natural resources.  Using my experience, I will work with the other members of the Town Board to revitalize the town of Amenia.

Have you served in this position before and for how long?  

Yes, for two years, 2006-07.

What makes your town special in comparison to  the whole of Dutchess County?  

Amenia has a small population and a beautiful setting.  One thing almost all residents agree about is the need to preserve our natural resources and open space.  According to a study done by Hudsonia a few years ago, Amenia has a great deal of biodiversity, contiguous forest and rare plants and animals.  Many people volunteer in Amenia for advisory committees, service organizations like the fire company and community activities. This spirit of community helps the town deal with its challenges.

What makes you most qualified for the job?  

There is a steep learning curve to being supervisor, which I’ve already gone through. I was successful during my previous term in settling two long-standing issues: the comprehensive plan update and new Zoning Law, and the Old Amenia Landfill. I garnered almost $300,000 in grants to complete the comprehensive plan, make improvements to parks and complete a new sidewalk on Mechanic Street. I dealt with two crises:  the 2007 flood and the car crash into Town Hall. I reduced taxes by .5 percent and I never missed a board meeting. I’m retired and have time to devote to the office.

 

Name: William (Bill) Flood
Age: 58
Town: Amenia
Years lived in town: 54
Occupation/background: Construction, real estate
Marital status, children:  Married to Leslie Flood for 20 years; two stepchildren, Katie and C.J.
Position running for, term length: Town supervisor, two-year term
Political party: Republican
Running on what lines: Republican
Names of boards served in past and present: Current Chair of the Amenia Planning Board (having served on the board for over 10 years);  served on the Comprehensive Plan Committee for over four years; member of the Waste Water Committee for five years

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.

Controlled spending and economic development. We need a well-thought-out plan for our Town Hall (what is left to be done, how can it be done most efficiently and where can we get funding for it, and what other revenue sources are there for our facilities there) and encourage and build thriving business communities in the Amenia and Wassaic hamlets. I believe Amenia has great potential. Our town faces challenges that I know can be overcome with a leader who will listen to all its citizens, who will work hard and effectively with everyone and encourage cooperation in town government.

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 has become a drive-by town instead of a destination. We must make our town visually more welcoming and do much more to promote existing businesses and attract new ones that will revitalize the hamlets and the tax base.

What makes you most qualified for the job?  

Amenia deserves a supervisor who will put the business of the town and its taxpayers first.  I have over 30 years experience in construction, building houses and commercial renovations, and am currently renovating the former Cozy Corner restaurant in the Amenia hamlet.  I have also owned and managed my own real estate firm for over 20 years.  The citizens of Amenia can put my business and civic experience to work for them.

Name: Victoria Perotti
Age: 65
Town: Amenia
Years lived in town: 22
Occupation/background: Contract verifier at United Healthcare Insurance Company
Marital status, children: Divorced. Children: Kelly Galgano, Dutchess Community College graduate; Terry Perotti, Virginia Tech graduate; Stephen Perotti, attended Dutchess Community College; Anthony Perotti, University of Tennessee at Knoxville graduate. Grandchildren: Kristen and Alexis Galgano; Cassidy Lam
Position running for, term length: Town supervisor, two-year term
Political party: Republican
Running on what lines: Conservative and Independence
Names of boards served in past and present: Elected to Amenia Town Board in 2005 and re-elected to Amenia Town Board in 2009; deputy town supervisor 2010 and 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.

Economic development is the biggest issue. I will work with the Harlem Valley Chamber of Commerce, Mid-Hudson Economic Council and other groups to investigate tax and other incentives to bring light industry and commercial development where allowed within the hamlet plan, comprehensive plan and zoning. I will continue to support local business initiatives like Silo Ridge, which lost its initial financing due to a cumbersome and lengthy site plan process with the Planning Board.  

Another initiative that has my full support is the proposed recycling operation at Welsh Sanitation, which is currently on hiatus due to the economy.

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?  

The town of Amenia, with its panoramic views in many areas, especially off DeLaVergne Hill, shows visitors what a beautiful place this is. Historic areas, such as Fountain Square and Gridley Chapel, as well as many other places, tell of a rich and storied past. In addition, Amenia and Wassaic are blessed with many volunteers who work tirelessly to make the hamlets a better and safer place to live. Furthermore, The Harlem Valley Rail Trail is a paved path for walkers, runners, hikers and others who want to enjoy the beauty of the Amenia and Wassaic landscape throughout the year.

What makes you most qualified for the job?  

In addition to the business administration degrees from Dutchess Community and Marist colleges, I have worked in management positions during my 25-year healthcare administration career. This is my second term on the Town Board while also serving as liaison to the Recreation Commission, Ethics Board, Enhancement, Holiday of Lights and Emergency Response committees, successfully assisting with and resolving many issues. My education, local government experience, decision making and deputy supervisor duties have taught me to work successfully with diverse groups and stakeholders and to use my problem-solving skills — all of which make me well qualified to be Amenia town supervisor.

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