Letters to the Editor - The Millerton News - 6-8-23

A vote for Jenn Nadjek

On June 20, 2023, I will vote to re-elect Village of Millerton Mayor Jenn Nadjek. I’ve known Jenn for decades and experienced the generosity and kindness she and her entire family have extended to many others in our community. I’ve also served with Jenn on the village board.

I admired her work ethic, availability, willingness to improve Millerton without breaking local taxpayers, and her network of connections inside and outside our community.

Within weeks of Jenn’s first term as a trustee, these connections allowed the village to repair a neglected, historic arch and find a qualified summer camp director for kids at the last moment. Since then, she’s continued to make contacts at the county, state, and federal levels of government. This list of references would undoubtedly be helpful as Millerton works through two significant projects — the construction of a wastewater system and a handicapped-accessible pool.

For decades, Millerton has long desired, researched, and discussed constructing a wastewater system and done nothing about it. Now, potentially with federal funds, the community is closer than ever to building a targeted wastewater system to help particular residents and businesses and to provide the infrastructure to attract a much-needed grocery store.

Like me, Jenn is a proponent of recreation. Now, more than ever, outdoor recreation is essential for individuals of all ages and abilities to promote healthy bodies and minds. In addition, swimming is a great exercise to reduce stress. So, not surprisingly, participants in a survey conducted by the Eddie Collins Memorial Park Revitalization Committee (ECMPRC) overwhelmingly supported the construction of a new swimming pool.

The ECMPRC has worked with three mayors and many village boards in seven years.

The Committee developed a master plan and presented it to the public, town, village, and planning boards. It has secured over $1 million in grant awards from New York State and Dutchess County, bringing back taxpayer dollars to benefit our community, and has raised hundreds of thousands more to complete the first phase of the park’s renovation. Yet, during that same seven year period, Village budget taxes have increased at a very modest clip.

As a concerned citizen, I welcome transformational projects that benefit residents without irresponsible tax increases. I know Jenn Najdek, a multi-generational resident of Millerton, believes the same.

Stephen Waite

Chairman,

Eddie Collins Memorial
Park Revitalization

Committee and Village resident

Millerton

We need to re-elect Dave Sherman as Village Trustee

The proposed wastewater system is the most important capital works project the Village has undertaken since the creation of its water system in the late 19 th century. In 1946, a forward- thinking Village government purchased land to enable it to install such a system. However, for seventy-seven years, our community has not done so.

We are the only village in Dutchess County without a wastewater system. That significantly restricts our ability to attract businesses, like a grocery store, and impedes our ability to provide for residential needs. That fact is particularly important for those who want to live, work and raise their families in our community. If we fail to seize this unique opportunity, it will detrimentally impact our community’s future.

Capital projects are complex undertakings. They require knowledge of municipal finance, law and contracts as well as engineering, planning, construction and most importantly an attention to detail.

As a long-serving Town Supervisor, Dave successfully managed two major capital projects — the Town Landfill closure and the creation and construction of the North East Water District.

At the time of the construction of the Water District, a Dutchess County Public Works liaison to our community knew I lived in Millerton and told me that we were very lucky to have Dave as Supervisor during that project because his attention to detail assured the contractors did their work properly, on time and in accordance with the plans.

Dave is a lifelong resident of the Village who understands our community. He is an independent thinker and seeks to represent all its residents. We need to keep him on the job for our Village.

I urge my fellow village residents to vote for Dave Sherman on Tuesday, June 20th.

Edward Downey

Millerton