In anticipation of the general election on Tuesday, Nov. 7, The Current asked Philipstown Supervisor Richard Shea, a Democrat who is running unopposed, about his priorities for what will be his fifth two-year term.

What are your priorities for the next two years?

Richard Shea

Richard Shea: I will be focusing on infrastructure and the environment. The Town Board has hired an architect and an engineer to produce a plan to update Town Hall including an elevator and new ADA-compliant bathrooms. We will also be installing new windows, insulation and siding to increase the energy efficiency and appearance of the building.

The proceeds from the sale of the VFW building on Kemble Avenue allowed us to renovate the annex building at the rear of Town Hall. By December our building department will move into the new space, which will also house a conference room.

We are also working toward becoming a Climate Smart Community. This will be a multi-year project to assess our carbon footprint and propose solutions for offsetting it. I recently appointed a Climate Smart coordinator to make this program a priority.

All this being said, it is always my first concern to take care of our residents. More programs for seniors and kids of all ages through our wonderful Recreation Department will continue to be a focus. Respecting our ancestors by maintaining the cemeteries is a cause I include in the budget and Councilor Mike Leonard puts into action.

I am fortunate to have a board whose members have diverse skills and opinions. Together we have been stewards of the town’s natural resources and environment and by this we’re protecting public health and safety. We may not agree on all issues but the one thing that unites us all is our love of Philipstown and our respect for the people who call it home. I am both humbled and proud to be supervisor of such a great community.

Behind The Story

Type: News

News: Based on facts, either observed and verified directly by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.

Turton, who has been a reporter for The Current since its founding in 2010, moved to Philipstown from his native Ontario in 1998. Location: Cold Spring. Languages: English. Area of expertise: Cold Spring government, features