AMENIA — Although vote tallies remain unofficial for the time being as final mail-in ballots are being counted, Democratic candidate Leo Blackman is the presumptive winner of the election as Amenia’s next town supervisor, having defeated longtime Republican incumbent Town Supervisor Victoria Perotti by a margin of 29 votes (475-446).
“A lot of Amenia homes have spectacular views, but hardly any have functioning doorbells,” Blackman observed during an interview a few days after Election Day as he reflected on his presumptive win, his campaign strategy, and what he has learned about the town.
Campaign strategy was straightforward, Blackman said. “Many doors were knocked upon and campaign events attended [in each neighborhood]. At each stop, I informed voters of my long history of volunteering, town progress made during my two years on the Town Board, and my vision for Amenia’s future.”
“Being positive and genuine seems to have won votes,” Blackman said.
Commenting on his platform’s major planks that resonated with voters, Blackman said, “A primary issue was a desire to move ahead capital projects eligible for infrastructure funding [wastewater, water, highway garage & housing]. Then, keeping growth concentrated in the hamlet center to bring back its vitality and preserve open space.”
Residents also sought improved communication with the town, Blackman said. “Residents are frustrated that they don’t have much idea what’s going on in town, and there are 21st-century solutions for that,” he added.
“We also need to do a better job of having more transparent discussion among the Town Board members, encouraging public participation at public hearings, and replying to all constituent calls or emails received,” Blackman said.
Asked to reflect on what he has learned about the town, Blackman preferred to expand the view to include the past two years.
“There is a vast range of income, from real poverty to great wealth,” he said. “Many longtime residents are concerned about the rising cost of living here, and the potential financial impact of proposed infrastructure projects. A large number expressed deep unhappiness over past and future proposed large-scale residential developments,” Blackman observed.
Anticipating the next several weeks of transition into the responsibilities of town supervisor, Blackman said: “Having served on the Town Board for two years does help, as I’ve observed the process up close, but there is still a huge amount to learn. I’m hoping that the fifth board member will have some institutional memory. I will be talking to our staff and consultants, reviewing potential new hires, making plans to implement and pay for improvements with grants. I’ll also be thinking about ways to maximize the use of space at Town Hall.”
“We are too small to have polling, so the winners are always a surprise,” Blackman said of the election process.
“Having answers on election night would be less stressful, although I was certainly hopeful about my chances after talking to residents, as they seemed both supportive and ready for change.”
Blackman and his husband Kenneth Monteiro retired four years ago to their now full-time home of 20 years in Wassaic. For 35 years Blackman had headed a small preservation architecture firm in New York City. His early years were in Rhode Island where he took his early schooling before moving to the city to earn his degree in architecture.
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