The Millerton News’ candidate profiles for Town Board and town supervisor follow below. The candidates each wrote 100 words about themselves to share with voters why they should be elected.
Amenia Town Board
Brad Rebillard (R, Amenia Strong)
A life-long resident of Amenia and owner of Dutchess Country Realty, my priority is making our town more desirable for businesses and, in turn, affordable to those who work in our service industry and are the backbone of small businesses. That’s the future for our children and residents. Not only does it provide jobs, but it inspires community, and we need to pull together.
I believe in a long-term vision, transparency and fostering an environment of open communication. So I’ll be accessible and prioritize working together.
Endorsed by Dutchess County Clerk Brad Kendall and Dutchess County Legislative Chair Gregg Pulver.
Katherine Lee (D)
I’m Katherine. This year, I’m running for Town Board to represent the fast-changing needs of Amenia. I bring more than 12 years working with businesses to navigate change, listen to people and find ways to better connect.
I will: Work for you. I’ll represent everyone who calls Amenia home, not just the big money.
Connect the community. I’ll bring technology to improve communication and transparency about what’s going on with public projects, where your tax dollars go, and the local culture.
Build infrastructure for growth. I’ll work for the economy through better wastewater/sewage management, faster broadband and greener energy.
Jamie Vitiello (Amenia Strong, C)
Despite increases in tax receipts, Amenia hasn’t addressed the needs of its working class, seniors, youth or its business community. Services have been cut while taxes have gone up. Businesses don’t want to come here. These things are all fixable.
I grew up in a single-parent household that didn’t always have money to keep the heat on; I know that better services and lower taxes can really make a difference in peoples’ lives.
I’ve spent a lifetime in public service in Dutchess County and can help fix these things, and more. That’s why I’m running for Amenia Town Board.
James Morris (R)
Incumbent
Running for second term
I am a graduate of Villanova University and St. John’s University, School of Law. I have practiced law for over 50 years and have experience in various areas of the law, including litigation, real estate, zoning, labor, insurance and corporate matters.
I hope that with my experience and background I have made a significant contribution to the Town Board.
I believe the success of the Wastewater Project is critical to Amenia as is the restoration of downtown.
I’m opposed to the sale of recreational marijuana in the town. Cannabis poses real risks that can adversely impact one’s health and life.
Leo Blackman (D, WFP)
After volunteering in Amenia for the past 18 years, I want to join the Town Board to make some of the projects I’ve been working on happen.
One is affordable housing — a big need locally for working people, families and seniors.
Another is wastewater — without a system, there can be no economic development.
I love and believe in our town, and expect it to thrive again.
I do not trust the Silo candidates can that for us.
We must all work together to determine our future. I plan to listen, use my experience and bring new energy to the board.
Michele Somogyi (Write-in Candidate, R)
Incumbent
Running for second term
I’m a 40-year Amenia resident. Being retired, I have the time and energy to devote to the town by attending all meetings at Town Hall every Tuesday, from 9 a.m. to noon. The Amenia Town Hall has the resources to aid its residents.
The current Town Board has supported all recreation events, senior programs and the current skate park. I’ve served on the following:
1. The Emergency Response Committee — Supporting the Town Hall sign and kitchen.
2. Liaison to the Amenia Veterans.
3. Amenia Seniors Chairperson: Senior Bus Trips, Free Senior Picnic and Holiday Party. Refined the Star Program.
Stacy Mantel (WF)
Everyone has the right to understand how our town works. I’ll strive to make it easier to access information and understand procedures.
I encourage your ideas and participation.
Goals: Let’s invigorate Town Hall and the Green with services, resources, fairs, farmers markets, performances. Wastewater systems and Workforce Housing are essential. Better, more affordable broadband for everyone. An overnight patrol. Improvement to all our parks. A transfer station. Incorporate green energy. Encourage special project committees.
I offer my experience as a retired paralegal of 25 years by researching and finding solutions to our quality of life issues.
Let’s do it!
Amenia Town Supervisor
Victoria Perotti (R, C)
Incumbent
Running for fifth term
As Town of Amenia Supervisor since 2014 with a Marist College Business Administration degree while attending local government classes, I have gained the experience and knowledge to administer town business.
Grants were and continue to be prioritized for projects and reduced taxpayer costs. Town Hall and street lighting changed to LED saved thousands of dollars.
Negotiations with state agencies resulted in the transfer of 5-acres of DEC land for a new highway garage. Planning highway garage design and construction with an engineering firm, upgrading Water District infrastructure and wells, and providing workforce housing are future goals.
Julie Doran (Amenia Strong)
With a 30-year background in management and real estate, I’m the right person at the right time to lead Amenia in a better, more transparent direction.
We must prioritize our residents and be watchful of their tax dollars. I’ll take a proactive approach utilizing my extensive contacts, while partnering with other agencies as well as the county, to support our local workers, businesses, the school and fire department.
If elected, I’ll be laser focused at eliminating over-spending. The town’s reckless spending must end.
Town Supervisor Victoria Perotti’s priorities are in the wrong place with over-spending while she cuts vital programs.
