Starbuck’s term would have ended Dec. 1
Eliza Starbuck, one of the five members of the Cold Spring Village Board, on Wednesday (July 16) announced that she was resigning, effective immediately.
Starbuck, who owns Flowercup Wine on Main Street, would have left the board on Dec. 1 when her second, 2-year term ended. She did not seek reelection. Mayor Kathleen Foley said she would appoint a replacement to finish Starbuck’s term.
In an email, Starbuck said she was proud of her work as trustee, particularly her role in implementing the Main Street and residential parking programs, pedestrian tunnel mural project and Main Street beautification. But, she wrote, “I can no longer contribute meaningfully or in a manner that is worthwhile,” and that the demands of her business had recently increased.
“I’ve learned a lot from working with the Village Board and administrative staff,” she commented. “It’s been a real education!”
Starbuck and another trustee, Aaron Freimark, have been at odds with Foley and the other two members on issues such as the Hudson Highlands Fjord Trail. The votes on some issues before the board have been 3-2 lately.
Foley told The Current that Starbuck “is hardworking and has achieved a tremendous amount, particularly in her first term.” She said her work on the village parking plan “operationalized what for decades was merely an idea.”
Two candidates — John “Tony” Bardes and Andrew Hall — are running unopposed to fill the seats held by Starbuck and Freimark, who is not running for a second term. Foley is also running unopposed for her third term as mayor. The other board members are Laura Bozzi and Tweeps Phillips Woods.
Wow, I didn’t even know there was a Village Board of Trustees meeting. I didn’t see an agenda, so I assumed there wasn’t a meeting.
What I appreciate most about Trustee Eliza Starbuck was her willingness to take on the hard stuff, like the Fjord Trail, without shutting anyone out. She always made space for different perspectives and worked to bring people to the table, even when the conversations were tough.
Eliza didn’t just go along to get along, she asked questions, pushed for better answers and made sure the community’s voice was part of the process. Whether it was asking me tough questions, or taking on the parking plan, Main Street improvements or those early Fjord Trail meetings when things were still evolving, she showed that leadership isn’t about always agreeing or having the loudest voice. It’s about listening, including people and doing the work to find the best path forward.
Thank you, Eliza, for your steady, thoughtful and inclusive leadership. You’ve made a real difference. I look forward to our continued conversations about this place we call home.
Montgomery is a Putnam County legislator whose district includes Cold Spring.
Another important issue Eliza tackled was the trolley. The county has built on her work, and now the trolley has a route and schedule that are reliable and helpful to all. No more ghost trips to Beacon or haphazard timetables. Thank you for your service, Eliza.