Displaying items by tag: Catone

Candidates from Malta answered the following questions:

 

 

Q1: What are the three most critical issues facing Saratoga County today and in the near future?

Q2: Given the growth in population and economic development in Saratoga County, what is your vision for the next ten years?

Q3:What is your motivation for running for this office ? What special skills, knowledge, experience or training do you bring to this position?

 

 

Paul J. Sausville 

Q1: The three most critical issues facing the County in the near future are State unfunded mandates, the need to grow our economy and growing employee expenses including post employment expenses.

Q2: A great future is in store for Malta and Saratoga County. A new and modern Round Lake Road will be constructed to solve existing traffic problems. GlobalFoundries will be building FAB 8.2 that will create 21st Century jobs for our children and grandchildren. Brown's Beach will be restored for public use. The Hudson Valley/Malta TECH SMART Campus will expand to educate future high-tech workers; The Round Lake Preserve will be constructed and have a new canoe launch.

Q3: I am motivated by the belief that we all should contribute to making the world a better place for our children and grandchildren. For the skills that I possess, I can make the biggest contribution to the world right here in Malta. I have eight years of experience as Town Supervisor, six years as Councilman, 35 years as a Professional Engineer, many years leading the Planning Board and Zoning Update committee. I am a graduate of the University of Vermont.

 

 Cynthia C. Young 

Q1: In Saratoga County, development pressures, maintaining our quality of life and making sure that we are fiscally sound are, in my opinion the most pressing issues. We need to encourage economic development by finding creative incentives to businesses. Saratoga has a lot to offer and is a great place to live and work.

Q2: I believe that Saratoga County will become a region on the cutting edge of new technologies. We are already encouraging growth in STEM education and technologies. I hope that this trend continues. New industry and jobs will help to make us fiscally sound.

Q3: I believe that the Town of Malta needs new leadership. Malta faces development pressure and we need to face the future with a realistic vision. I also hope to promote a more open process and transparency. I have served the town in many different capacities and believe that I have the skills and knowledge needed to fulfill the position.

MALTA – The monthly Town of Malta Board meeting on Monday, October 7 was preceded by a short public hearing about a property maintenance violation concerning a trailer on Lot #3 on Airfield Road. The town had previously determined that the trailer was unsafe and substandard for habitation and the town was going to remove it. Supervisor Paul Sausville invited the owner, current tenant or anyone with a public concern about the property to speak. Later, the board unanimously voted 5-0 to authorize the violation. There was some discussion amongst the board regarding plowing the Dunning Street Path when needed due to snow accumulation. What made this area particularly significant is that the town of Malta owns only part of the path land. Supervisor Sausville recommended that they proceed, but making it a “secondary priority” to main roads and the like, perhaps having a goal to have the path cleared within 48 hours after a storm. Roger Crandall, building and maintenance department supervisor, estimated that it would occupy one town worker for one day to complete the plowing in question and advocated that it be tried for one season to determine the financial impact. Councilman Peter Klotz took an alternative view, expressing concern that other areas might feel entitled to request the town’s assistance in plowing if the board set a precedent here. The matter was tabled for the time being The town board breezed through the rest of the agenda items, with all items passing, in most cases unanimously. Among these items were several appointments to town positions, including deputy animal control officer and deputy town clerk. Councilwoman Tara Thomas did have a dissenting vote on two items: an amendment to the deputy tax receiver’s job description (she was joined by Klotz on this) and to refer the Caro planned development district to the planning board (Klotz abstaining). Both of these items passed with a split vote. The date and time of the next town board meeting was moved to Wednesday, November 6 at 6 p.m. The date was moved to be after Election Day, and the earlier than usual time was set to allow for a public hearing on the budget.

Few Disagreements among Rivals at Malta Candidate Forum

MALTA – The League of Women Voters (LWV) candidate forum for the Town of Malta’s upcoming local races took place at the Malta Community Center on Tuesday, October 8.

The questions from the audience centered on issues that appeared to potentially be fertile ground for candidates to stress their point(s) of difference. Surprisingly, there was near-universal agreement between all, save for some minor nuance. In some cases, this left many questioners and audience members unsatisfied.

 

Moderator Francine Rodger began by explaining the ground rules, after which those candidates who were unopposed (Highway Superintendent Roger Crandall and Town Clerk Florence Sickels) made short statements.

 

Two Town Justice candidates, Steve Gottman (R, I) and Ellwood Sloat, Jr. (C) made statements to the audience. Because of judicial decorum, the two candidates did not engage each other or take questions from the audience.  

 

Gottman’s background includes 15 years as an attorney and is the president of the Malta Business and Professional Association.  Sloat’s background is in law enforcement, reaching the rank of major for the New York State Police Department before reaching the mandatory retirement age of 60.

 

Complete biographies, links of websites and other information on every candidate can be accessed at the LWV website. Visit www.LWVsaratoga.org.

 

The three candidates for town council (two of which will be elected) are incumbents John Hartzell and Maggi Ruisi (both R, C, I) and Carol Henry (D). The two candidates for the town/county supervisor seat are incumbent Paul Sausville (R, I) and challenger Cynthia Young (D, WF).

 

As noted above, Ellwood Sloat, Jr. is a town justice candidate. Yet, it his capacity of long-time town resident (‘Woody’ Sloat) he felt compelled to ask both the town council and supervisor candidates what their position was to stimulate retail occupancy at the Ellsworth Commons  complex (an issue that he as town justice would not be ruling on incidentally).

 

While Ruisi did express optimism about the recent prospects for a yogurt shop and doctor’s office, she and the other candidates, while saying that the town’s role is to be supportive, believed that it was the developer’s obligation to fill vacancies. None of them put forth any concrete ideas.

 

These responses did not please Sloat at all. “We have a healthy and vibrant town, but unfortunately Ellsworth Commons is an eyesore reminiscent of a ghost town,” he said. “This unsightly condition should not be ignored as it doesn't represent the true vitality of Malta.”         

“I feel economic development does fall within the responsibilities of the town supervisor and town council,” Sloat continued. “The questions I posed to these candidates regarding plans to correct this situation were answered without any substance.  It left me with a feeling that this situation was not a priority.”

 

Another issue of concern among questioners was the Round Lake corridor and the possibility that roundabouts would be part of a traffic solution. The candidates for town council acknowledged that the concerns of residents should be taken into account. Hartzell said that he was continuing to ask hard questions about the subject before deciding; Ruisi said she stood behind the original engineering study on traffic safety. She was awaiting the results of a more detailed study and reminded the audience that the roundabouts contemplated were smaller than the double lane ones that are on routes 9 and 67. Henry said she was keeping an open mind and that driver education and traffic safety were important considerations to balance against Round Lake residents’ concerns.

 

This did not come close to satisfying Murray Eitzmann, who lives on Round Lake Road.

 

“I’m afraid that the primary concern will be to provide the quickest access to the Northway without delay.” Eitzmann said.  “Round Lake is a thriving hamlet. This area and around exit 11 have residences, senior housing, an elementary school and a great mix of thriving businesses. Why would they even think of anything that might compromise this?”

 

“A petition of almost 300 citizen signatures was submitted to the town board that opposed the roundabouts.” Eitzmann stated. “The candidate that takes a courageous stand against some engineer’s Cadillac solution is whom I’m voting for. I’m not sure I saw that person tonight.”

 

Indeed, the Malta candidate forum deserves high marks for the civility all candidates showed towards each other. But afterwards many in the audience were heard to express surprise that the candidates, particularly challengers, did not go to any length to lay out bold distinctions between themselves and their opponents. It remains to be seen if these points of difference emerge between now and November 5.

 

 

 

Q:  What would you say qualifies you for the position of Town Justice?

Gottman: I have the training, education and experience to handle the matters that come before the court. In law school and in practice, attorneys are trained in the law, including identifying issues, researching the law and making decisions that affect substantial rights. As an attorney, I have handled traffic tickets, misdemeanors, small claims, evictions and other matters in Town, Village and City Courts throughout the area. These are the matters that Town Justices handle on regular basis. In addition, a Town Justice is required to run the court efficiently and properly. Malta Town Court is the second busiest court in the county with revenue over $800,000 per year. As a small business owner, I have experience managing a business, understand challenges of Court Administration, and have the flexibility to set my schedule to meet the important demands of this part-time position.

Q: What is your motivation for running for this office?

Gottman: As an attorney and student of the law, I greatly respect the Judiciary and the rule of law.  An independent and impartial judiciary is crucial to the proper enforcement of the law and the protection of individual rights. Serving as a Judge or Justice is the highest calling of my profession. I would be honored and humbled to serve as Town Justice. In addition, I believe Malta is great place to live, work and raise a family, in large part because of the people who serve the Community.  As an attorney, the Town Justice is a great way for me to serve, as I can bring my years of education, training and experience to the Court.

Q: What can you bring to the position that you don’t think is already there?

Gottman: The residents of Malta are fortunate.  Malta has one of the best courts in the area. The staff is top notch.  My legal experience and training will help maintain the high standard set by the Malta Town Court. My financial background will help insure the proper financial administration of the Court. Finally, my respect for the Judiciary and the rule of law will compel me to impartially apply the law to the facts of each case and administer justice fairly and properly.

Q: What is your vision for the town to look like five years from now?

Klotz: Five years from now we will have the additional jobs and related intersection improvements related to the recently passed Global Foundries amendment. We will also be on our way to the construction of Northway exit 11-A to meet the transportation needs of the rest of the Luther Forest Technology Campus. We will also have a combined central fire station providing even better fire protection for our town. More commercial businesses in the central part of town will be contributing to the local taxes. We will also have a more consistent articulation of the vision for a carefully planned, central, pedestrian friendly commercial district that also preserves the more rural, open outlying areas.

Q: How do you feel about the explosion of growth in Malta?

Klotz: I feel excited! Many places in the state and in the country are not as fortunate as we are. Many places would not be as well prepared as we are. Growth was anticipated in our Master Plan. The rate of growth is faster than anticipated. The Comprehensive Master Plan, Zoning and land use planning are basically still sound concepts that do need revisiting and fine tuning, but being proactive years ago has put us in a good position to deal with the growth we are now experiencing. We cannot stop growth. We can continue to shape it according to the surveys, focus groups, and workshops that have helped define our vision for Malta's future. Being sensitive to and aware of the growth is important. There is no need to overreact or panic and suddenly try to revamp our plan midway through its implementation.

Q: How do you think the new form-based zoning code has/will affect Malta’s downtown area?

Klotz: The form-based code actually reduces the development allowed in the center of town. Buildings will be shorter and less massive than was allowed under the previous zoning. It will allow for more uniform development with the entire district in mind and less of the disjointed, uncoordinated, isolated projects came from the previous practice of individual Planned Development Districts.

Q: If elected to Town Supervisor, what will you do the same/differently in office?

Klotz: As Supervisor I would work with my colleagues and town staff instead of trying to have my fellow board members and town staff work for me. All five members of the Town Board are elected to lead and guide the town. We hire talented professionals to work with us in this effort. The Supervisor need not be the head or the center of town government. Twenty-first Century leadership recognizes and values collaboration, cooperation and the contribution of all who are involved. I am about shared decision making and shared leadership rather than selective information sharing, command and control.

Q: What is your vision for the town to look like five years from now?

SAUSVILLE: A great future is in store for Malta: 1) A new and modern Round Lake Road will be constructed to solve existing traffic problems; 2) GlobalFoundries will be building Fab 8.2 that will create 21st Century jobs for our children and grandchildren; 3) Brown's Beach will be restored for Malta's residents; 4) The Hudson Valley/Malta TECH SMART campus will expand to educate future high-tech workers; The Round Lake Preserve will be constructed and have a new canoe launch; 5) Finally, the Village of Round Lake will remain the quaint little village that it is intended to be.

Q: How do you feel about the explosion of growth in Malta?

SAUSVILLE: I believe we can have great job and cultural growth that is the promise of GlobalFoundries and still retain our quality of life. However, not all growth is beneficial.  Some projects will degrade our "sense of place" and erode the small town feel of Malta. Some will increase the Northway commuter traffic and create highway congestion. Some will consume valuable land and resources that could be used for a higher purpose in the future.  And some may create unintended financial impacts and shift costs to other taxpayers of the town, schools and County government. When it comes to decision about future projects and growth, we need to understand full impacts, costs and benefits.

Q:  How do you think the new form-based zoning code has/will affect Malta’s downtown area?

SAUSVILLE: Form-based zoning is experimental in New York.  No other town in the state has adopted such zoning. At its root is a highly rigid, inflexible and urban form for future projects in our downtown.  Buildings 3- and 4-stories high are allowed and indeed encouraged. Trees are cut down in favor of buildings placed 5 to 20 feet from the road.  Fire response, traffic congestion and safe pedestrian crossings on Route 9 are left to the future taxpayers of Malta to address. I did not vote for it, but it received a positive vote from the remaining Town Board. Urban downtown Malta is a future that will present many challenges for community leaders.

Q: If reelected to Town Supervisor, what will you do the same/differently in office?

SAUSVILLE: Since I took office as Malta Supervisor 8 years ago, Malta has changed considerably. It is no accident that we are the envy of every town in New York. We have a world class industry and a vibrant economy.  We have a new library, new ball fields, miles of trails, a new highway garage and so much more. My record speaks for itself. I will continue to provide leadership to keep Malta free of town-wide taxes by spending wisely, negotiating effectively and seeking grants. I believe that town government can be more efficient and resourceful. In big and small ways, I will continue to advocate for a town of safe neighborhoods that are great places to raise a family and call home.

If chosen to head up the County Board of Supervisors in 2014, I will give high priority to the creation of a new entity for County economic development and restoration of a balanced County budget.

 

MALTA — The Malta Town Board approved a six-month contract that states the conditions of the consolidation of Round Lake Volunteer Fire Co. and Malta Ridge Volunteer Fire Co. as they prepare to build a new joint fire station this year. 

MALTA — The historical Collamer House in Malta is soon to be known as the Collamer House Bike and Ski shop, now that the Planning Board approved proposed changes by the new tenant, Leslie Plaine, at its meeting June 18. 

MALTA — The Malta Town Board refuted rumors that they were building a residential park off Route 9P and heard updates on the planning of the new Midtown Fire Station at their monthly meeting June 3. 

MALTA — Only three Malta residents showed up to the public viewing of four balloons hovering over the GlobalFoundries Fab 8.2 grounds last Saturday, May 4.