Village board elections: two seats, four candidates

MILLBROOK — There are two seats open on the Village of Millbrook Town Board, with four candidates in the running, two of whom are incumbents. Two are Republicans, two are Democrats. The term for a trustee is four years.

Buffy Arborgast

The incumbents are Buffy Arborgast, a Democrat, who was appointed to the board in 2021 to fill an unexpired term.  She is currently president of the Millbrook Business Association, and is the proprietor of Babette’s Kitchen.

Asked about her accomplishments during her time on the board, she said, “I feel I have learned a lot in the time I have been serving on the board.  I was part of the village budget process for the first time.  We got the budget under the tax cap and we now have a surplus, which is even better.  We have been working on updating outdated village codes, infrastructure projects like sidewalks and the sewer treatment plant.  We have also been working on getting electric car chargers installed.  These are the big projects but as you know a lot more goes on than people realize.  I like to say it  takes a village to make sure our village runs smoothly.”

Arborgast would like to continue as a Trustee for many reasons, including because she thinks the village board is moving in the right direction. “Mayor Tim Collopy runs a tight ship and likes to get things done.  Our future should be about building a better tomorrow through solid infrastructure, green energy and a community in which everyone feels welcome.  This is the way forward.” She adds, “I love this community.  I have been here for 20 years now and I feel it is time I give back.  I own a business in Millbrook.  I want to make sure this community stays vibrant.”  

Peter Doro

Peter Doro was first elected in 2021, and has been an active participant. As the sole Republican on the board, he says he finds himself often independent and dissenting, but thinks diversity is good for democracy, and that the most effective boards are divided boards. He said, “It’s because of my family’s love and support that I have the ability to even run for political office and I care deeply about the country’s and Millbrook’s future for my sons’ sake.”

Some of the items that Doro is most proud of having worked on during his term concern the outdoor dining rules and regulations that cropped up due to the pandemic. There were none, and some major efforts went into developing a code to make dining both feasible and safe. Everyone wants the restaurants to flourish, the residents to enjoy dining out, but above all, to be convenient and safe for all.

Another topic he believes needs attention is short-term rentals. He feels that many of the area short-term rentals, and/or bed and breakfasts, are no longer individually or family owned, and that these units are raising the price of homes in the area. He says there have to be rules put in place for their operation. This is something he hopes to work on if re-elected.

Patrick Murphy

New to the Millbrook political arena is Republican Patrick Murphy, a fifth-generation resident of the area, who said, “This is my first time running for public office.” While this is his first foray onto the political scene,  his family has served the community in political office. His uncle, Michael Murphy, was a former mayor of Millbrook. His father, William Murphy, was a Town Councilman.

At the age of 31, Patrick feels that Millbrook has been good to him and his family, and he’d like to give back. “It’s good to be involved”, he said. His family owns the Iron Furnace Restaurant in Verbank,  and they also have been in the excavating business for over 35 years.

Joseph Libonati

The fourth candidate is Joseph Libonati, a Democrat, who said, “I was born and raised in the Hudson Valley and have been lucky enough to call the area home for most of my life.” For the past eight years he has lived in Millbrook, and says he wouldn’t want to  live anywhere else.

“I’ve spent my career in communications. I most recently oversaw communications for Condé Nast and have worked in media and entertainment for more than 30 years. My mother and sister live in Saratoga Springs. My dad and his family live in Ulster County.” 

Libonati feels that Millbrook is a great place to live, saying that the community is kind and welcoming. Why is he running for a seat on the board? “I felt it was time to give back to the community that has given me so much.” he states.

Asked what he feels is the most pressing concern, he said that infrastructure is most vital, from maintaining what exists to finding new solutions for future challenges that preserve the Village’s character and are kind to the Earth and easy on the wallet.

Also on the ballot is the following proposition: Proposal Number One, A Proposition:  Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Act of 2022, “To address and combat the impact of climate change and damage to the environment; the “Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022” authorizes the sale of state bonds up to $4.2 billion to fund environmental protection, natural restoration, resiliency, and clean energy projects.

Early voting begins on Saturday, Oct. 29, and continues through Sunday, Nov. 6. Check out times on the Millbrook website, villageofmillbrookny.com. The voting site in Millbrook is at Cornell Cooperative Center, 2715 US 44, Millbrook, N.Y.

Buffy Arbogast Photo submitted

Peter Doro Photo submitted

Patrick Murphy Photo submitted

Joe Libonati Photo submitted

Buffy Arbogast Photo submitted