Millbrook village trustees candidates lay out experience, goals

MILLBROOK — There are two seats on the board of Village Trustees up for grabs in the November election. The Millerton News asked all four candidates, two Democrats and two Republicans, what makes them right for the job. The following excerpts have been edited for clarity and conciseness.

Julia BucklinPhoto Provided

Julia Bucklin, Democrat

Q: What is your professional background? If incumbent, how long in office?

I am a public high school social studies teacher. I have spent over 30 years with students teaching and learning. I hope to use my skills as a listener and an effective distiller of information in my role as trustee.

What would be your top priorities?

My priorities include writing grants to get important village projects funded by state and federal entities. This will help alleviate some of the burden on village taxpayers. Reaching ‘bronze’ certification as a Climate Smart Community will help us to achieve that goal and get funding for the work that needs to be done. The Comprehensive Plan for the Village of Millbrook has not been updated in almost 30 years. Having a clear set of objectives and goals to work toward will provide a road map for the future.

Why are you the best person for the job?

I am deeply committed to the idea of public service. I believe that being part of a community means participating in the good governance of that community. I have a strong work ethic and I’m a good listener. I look forward to conversations with residents of Millbrook and working with the other Village Trustees to work to keep Millbrook a truly special place to live.

Elizabeth Molella SocciPhoto Provided

Elizabeth Molella Socci, Republican

What is your professional background?

I have a deep connection to the Village of Millbrook, where I am a fourth-generation resident and have lived my entire life. My husband and I are raising our two daughters in the Village, teaching them the value of family and hometown traditions. I am a certified business education teacher. I hold an MBA, which has strengthened my ability in strategic planning and management. I have over twenty years of experience in property management, and, prior to teaching, I owned a business in Millbrook, which gave me a thorough understanding of the challenges small business owners face. I also have experience in marketing and inventory management, skills that help me analyze data, solve problems, and manage resources effectively.

What would be your top priorities?

My top priorities as a Village Trustee would be maintaining fiscal responsibility and upholding ethical standards, making certain that our resources are used responsibly, and that all decisions are made with transparency and integrity. I would focus on public safety by ensuring strong support for the Millbrook Fire Department and emergency services, Police Department, Highway Department and water and sewer services. I am also committed to prioritizing our local veterans and supporting the VFW, ensuring that they receive the recognition and resources they deserve.

Why are you the best person for this job?

I feel that I am the best candidate for this position because I bring a unique combination of lifelong dedication to our Village, professional experience, and hometown values. My education, along with my experience as a business owner, teacher, and property manager, has given me the practical skills to make informed decisions, manage resources, and plan responsibly for the Village’s future. I am passionate about preserving Millbrook’s traditions, ensuring fiscal responsibility, and advocating for public safety and veterans, all while staying true to our hometown values.

Kay Vanderlyn and FamilyPhoto Provided

Kay Vanderlyn, Republican

What is your professional background?

I hold a bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture with a focus on urban planning & food systems. Since 2018, my husband and I have run Julien’s in the Village. With no kitchen staff, we cook together every night for the community. I make all the sushi and more! I also handle all the accounting, ordering, design and management of the business. Thanks to the support of our wonderful village we were able to grow and expand, even through the lockdowns that hurt many businesses. In 2022, we opened Julien’s Bar.

What would be your top priorities?

I am interested in developing more youth based programs in collaboration with the town. Our village hall and basketball courts are currently underutilized. I am a mother of five wonderful children and I know the challenges of long winters inside and filling long summer days outside with activities for the littles. This summer, my husband and I ran the snack bar at the Town Pool. It is an amazing space but also underutilized! Our neighboring Millerton just received a grant from NY SWIMS capital grant program for $6.38 million to revitalize their pool [sic]*. I will seek out relevant grant programs and do the legwork needed to obtain them. The village and town have the infrastructure already in place — I am passionate about building upon and further developing what we already have to better the community for our children and the future of the village.

Why are you the best person for this job?

For the last seven years, I have held a seat on the Village of Millbrook Planning Board. I understand the impact that local government can have on a community. We chose to raise our children here & to build and grow our business here. We are deeply dedicated to this beautiful village and I am ready to take that dedication along with my resiliency & experience to work hard for the Village of Millbrook!

Shannon MawsonPhoto Provided

Shannon Mawson, Democrat

What is your professional background?

I am a fitness and wellness consultant and educator in South America and domestically. While living in Belize, I developed and secured funding for a non-profit animal shelter and initiated collaboration with US canine rescue organizations to home them in the states. In addition to my wellness career, I also created marketing tools for firms participating in apparel industry trade shows.

What would be your top priorities?

I will continue discussions with Town officials and potential funders to maintain the Town recreation program at Village Hall. As a Trustee I shall hold the line on Village taxes and fees so we stay within the tax cap.

Why are you the best person for this job?

I have a long record of success as an entrepreneur because I have the discipline to budget, to listen closely to client needs and to tailor practical solutions for them. I collaborate with clients and colleagues to get things done. I will use these skills to help our new government team develop timely, cost-effective methods and to promote responsive solutions to problems that Village residents deserve.

*There is not currently a pool at Eddie Collins Memorial Park in Millerton. The $6 million NY SWIMS grant funding is for the construction of a brand new pool and pool house.