North East Candidates 2011

Name: Charles “Chip” Barrett
Age: 56
Town: North East
Years lived in town: 27
Occupation/background: Worked for MCI and AT&T as a Telecommunications Technician/Engineer for 20 years. Military service:  Air National Guard for world-wide duty, Telecommunications specialist six years. Presently owner of Ledgewood Kennel, contractor and farmer.
Marital status, children: Married to Kirby Barrett; we have a daughter, Ashley, who is a photographer living in Maryland.
Position running for, term length: Town of North East Councilman, four-year term.
Political party: Republican
Running on what lines: Republican
Names of boards served in past and present:
Presently: North East Planning Board, New York State Farm Bureau Board, serving Dutchess, Putnam and Westchester counties. Past: North East Zoning Board for 10 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.
We should welcome development in the correct locations and sustainable businesses for a healthy tax base and employment. A new location for the town garage is needed, and we should explore a transfer station. The Millerton Elementary School could be a new town hall as well as other combined uses; it could be handicap assessable and large enough for meetings. Merging services would be save costs. A feasibility study regarding combining the village and town should be done. With the state wide 2 percent property tax cap, we need to do more with less and operate smarter and more efficiently.   

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?  
We still have some working farms, however, we are loosing dairy farms. Our town has lots of open space with large estates with protected land, with a very rural feel. Round it all off with a great village with wonderful shopping. Close to the train to NYC, a bike trail, good ski slopes, a real New England, very different than the rest of Dutchess County.

What makes you most qualified for the job?  
I have served on the Zoning Board and now the Planing Board as well as other boards. I think I represent what this town is about. I own and operate a service business a farm and a contracting company. I know what it takes to operate a business, work with vendors, employees and fellow board members. I understand the issues our farming community is dealing with. I am all about keeping costs down without sacrificing needed services. I will take advantage of opportunities such as grants or other funding programs. I will welcome well thought out development and appropriate business.       

Name: Dave McGhee
Age: 56
Town:  North East
Years lived in town: 56
Occupation/background: Caretaker and bus driver
Marital status, children: Married, one daughter, three sons, seven grandchildren.
Position running for, term length: Town councilman, four-year term.
Political party: Republican
Running on what lines: North East United
Names of boards served in past and present: North East Town Board (presently), North East Zoning Board of Appeals, Millerton Planning Board.

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.
I think the biggest issue is finding a way to work out and speed up problems from applications and studies that face the town.  A way this could be solved is a better relationship between the board and supervisor, keeping the full board completely informed on all matters.

Have you served in this position before and for how long?  
Yes, in 1983 to 1985 and 2000 to present.

What makes your town special in comparison to  the whole of Dutchess County?  
Our town is still a wonderful place for our long-term residents and new ones that have chosen our town.  There is something here for everyone.

What makes you most qualified for the job?  
My experience from being on the board for the last 12 years and my common sense. Also, my knowledge from serving as highway superintendent and on the Zoning and Planning boards.  Also working with Town Board members and the Village Board.
 

Name: George Kaye  
Age: 66
Town: North East
Years lived in town: Entire life except for three years in military service, eight years in Japan and four years in Los Angeles.  
Occupation/background: Three years in Army intelligence in Japan, 12 years in Japanese public relations firm, 28 years with Amenia Sand and Gravel. Currently retired.
Marital status, children: Married with daughter and son.
Position running for, term length: Councilman position on North East Town Board, four- year term.
Political party: Republican
Running on what lines: Republican
Names of boards served in past and present: Currently on Zoning board of Appeals.  

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.
Look at the town around you. The town of North East and Millerton are the vibrant, dynamic centers is our area. But a town that settles for the status quo will not be a future leader. We must pursue new business avenues befitting our country setting to broaden our tax base and create local employment. We must revisit our zoning codes regularly to allow for changes and updates. We must determine the best utilization of our elementary school or we will continue to pay school taxes for vacant space. And we must do this in a fiscally responsible manner.  

Have you served in this position before and for how long?  
Have not served in position being sought.

What makes your town special in comparison to  the whole of Dutchess County?  
The biggest reason our town is exceptional is that regardless of whether we have lived here all our lives or are a new transplant, when we look around we can all be proud of what we see. Simply put, by comparison, our town looks good. This view is not lost on others either. We may complain about trying to find a parking space on weekends or crowded town roads, but that is a sure sign our town is alive and thriving and that is something special.

What makes you most qualified for the job?  
Vietnam era veteran attached to 500 Military Intelligence. Honorably discharged as an E-6 Staff Sergeant. Twelve years with Press International, a Japanese public relations firm. Branch office manager in Los Angeles and Senior Vice President of International Operations. Twenty-eight years with Amenia Sand and Gravel as plant operator, dispatcher, sales representative and management for day-to-day operations. I am a life-long town resident with local, national and international business experience. I have served on the Zoning Board of Appeals for over a year. These attributes give me the knowledge of town government yet a fresh perspective on local issues.
 

Name: John D. Crodelle, Sr.
Age: 72
Town: North East
Years lived in town: 24
Occupation/background: Retired as a senior investigator with the New York State Police, having served 35 years.
Marital status, children: Have been married for 44 years to wife Patricia, have two grown children and three grandchildren.
Position running for, term length: Town justice, four-year term.
Political party: Republican
Running on what lines: Republican and Democratic
Names of boards served in past and present: Dutchess County Magistrates Association, president June 2010 through June 2011.  Prior to being elected Justice, I served nine years on the Board of Directors for the Child Abuse Prevention Center, with three years as chairman.

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 rules governing New York State Judges prohibit me from discussing current cases or how I would handle future cases that come before the court. I feel that the three most important requirements for town justice are honesty fairness and availability.  If elected, I will continue to work with my Co-Judge McCabe and Court Clerk Morrison to see that the town of North East Justice Court runs in an efficient manner.  I will also do my best to keep the court budget under control.

Have you served in this position before and for how long?  
I have held the position of town justice since January 1st, 2004.

What makes your town special in comparison to  the whole of Dutchess County?  
I consider the town of North East and the village of Millerton very special. They both have a nice rural setting, low crime rate and close enough to larger cities, when my family and I want to attend a sports event or Broadway show.

What makes you most qualified for the job?  
I have served as town justice for almost eight years and have worked in the Criminal Justice System for almost 48 years.

Name: Jon Arnason
Age: 65
Town: North East
Years lived in town: 30
Occupation/background: Attorney
Marital status, children: Married, no children
Position running for, term length: Town councilman; four-year term.
Political party: Democratic
Running on what lines: Democratic
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 issue facing the town at the moment is the current economic downturn, and the enormous stress it has placed on many of our neighbors, who are struggling to get by. After that, we need to revise and update the comprehensive plan, and to review our zoning law, to ensure that both of them reflect current realities and the longer-term goals of the town. On the Town Board, I will work to preserve as much of our remarkable, scenic rural setting as possible, while continuing the development of Millerton as a vibrant residential and commercial setting.

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 North East, with all its rural beauty, has a well-defined and very attractive center, the village of Millerton. It is a balanced community, not just real estate offices and antique stores, but with something for everyone. It has become an important tourist destination, creating jobs and income for many town residents.

What makes you most qualified for the job?  
Having practiced law for more than 35 years, I have developed a strong ability to forge agreements in difficult circumstances.  Having lived in the community for more than 30 years and having good friends in all parts of the community, I have a good sense of the problems which face North East.  As a lawyer I understand the importance of open decision making and treating people who work for and volunteer for and in the town fairly. It would benefit the town to have a variety of backgrounds on the board, including that of a practicing attorney.
 

Name: Nancy Davis Vialpando
Age: 63
Town: North East
Years lived in town: 50
Occupation/background: Have been elementary school art teacher, and currently own a picture framing/art supply business (DVR Art Supply & Framing). Also serve currently as North East Town Clerk.
Marital status, children: Three grown children.
Position running for, term length: Town clerk, two-year term.
Political party: Democratic
Running on what lines: Democratic
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.
In my opinion, The town of North East is facing the same budgetary problems as the majority of the country, due to the difficult economic climate.

Have you served in this position before and for how long?  
This will be my fourth term.

What makes your town special in comparison to  the whole of Dutchess County?  
The town of North East has a special location in Dutchess County which makes it a beautiful place to live and work.

What makes you most qualified for the job?  
I have been the town clerk for seven years, providing continuity to the office, keeping it running efficiently and providing up-to-date procedures.
 

Name: Ralph Fedele
Age: 73
Town: North East
Years lived in town: 23
Occupation/background: Retire 1988 from JCPenny, career spanning 25 years, senior buyer.
Marital status, children: Widowed in 2006, married 43 years.  No children.
Position running for, term length: Town councilman, 4-year term.
Political party: Democrat
Running on what lines: Democratic
Names of boards served in past and present: President of North East Historical Society, president of Friends of the Irondale Schoolhouse, member of Townscape, Lions Club.

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.
I feel that there are several major issues that need to be addressed by the next board. I believe the current board has been dysfunctional. Each member needs to be willing to listen to all sides of an issue and be respectful of others.  We need to set priorities, be better problem-solvers, and make consensus decisions faster.  We need to recognize that North East has become a shopping, dining and tourist destination.  This will create inevitable change.  We need the vision to guard our rural heritage while allowing for responsible growth.

Have you served in this position before and for how long?  
I have served as president of the North East Historical Society for four years and president of the Friends of the Irondale Schoolhouse for three years, but have never run for political office.  This will be a new learning experience for me, should I win.

What makes your town special in comparison to  the whole of Dutchess County?  
The architecture — many of its historical buildings are over 100 years old. Many have been lovingly restored, like Barton House, the Krooner Building, the old Millerton Bank and Simmons Way. Our library is first class. The North East Community Center helps young and old, manages the Farmers Market and provides care-car service to those in need. The village is nestled in some of the most beautiful countryside in Dutchess County; it’s a focal point for dining, shopping and entertainment. We even have a country store like Terni’s, a coffee house like Irving Farms and a tea shop like Harney’s. And don’t forget the people!

What makes you most qualified for the job?  
Well, first I care!  I always look at what is and try to make it better.  Good citizenship starts with a respect for the surroundings, its people, its  traditions.  I have the energy and the vision to keep what’s good and fix what’s broken.  I’m a problem solver and have had a lot of experience in business.  I know how to get things done — to move forward when things get tough. I will serve the people of North East with energy, integrity and fairness.