Accessibility-Transparency- Honesty

ABOUT ME

In 1983, at the age of 22, I started my own custom cabinetry, architectural woodworking, and interior alterations business.  We built high end custom furniture, cabinetry, and interior architectural moldings.  In addition to this, purchasing and renovating existing properties became part of my business.  Throughout the years, not only did my business grow and flourish, but it was this business that also supported my family, and the families of my employees for 36 years until my partial retirement in 2019. Due to my business, I have a great understanding of how to conduct business, manage construction projects, manage and direct personnel, negotiate contracts, etc.  In addition, I have great knowledge and expertise with how the bidding process works, prevailing wage regulations, and most of all successful procurement that ensures that you get the most for your money.   

MORE ABOUT ME

My wife MaryAnn and I have been property owners and part time residents since 1997. We moved here full time in 2019. We came here because I am an avid hunter and fisherman and because we both enjoy the beauty of the mountains and the waterways. MaryAnn and I are active members of St. Anthony’s in Yulan. MaryAnn volunteers at St. Anthony’s Food Pantry and is also a Lector and I am an active Knights of Columbus member there and hold the office of Recorder. I joined the Yulan Volunteer Fire Department on July 13, 2020 and received a training certificate for exterior firefighting operations on June 18, 2022. I also completed the confined space awareness course (FD) on April 18, 2023. We feel it’s important to be a part of the community and to give back whenever we can. We are currently property owners in Eldred as well as Barryville and I own and operate a subcontracting business called Highland Home Solutions, LLC. We’ve put down roots here. My past experience with community service prior to our move here consists of holding the office of president in our local HOA in NJ which owned and operated its own water company. While serving in that position I negotiated and oversaw a water main replacement funded by the State of NJ. I also served in the Knights of Columbus in NJ as a Grand Knight as well as Paterson Federation Warden.

PURPOSE

The main reason why I decided to run for a position on Town Council is, I feel as though there is a lack of information getting to the public.  As a result of this, there is too much mis-information reaching them instead.  This information is relative to important issues that directly affect all of us who live in Highland.  If elected, I will make it my priority to keep you informed and up to date on all current issues.  

ACCESSIBILITY:  I WILL BE ACCESSIBLE AND AVAILABLE TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS VIA EMAIL ( “contact me” link at bottom of the page) ; THE TAXPAYER DESERVES ACCESSIBILITY TO THEIR TOWN OFFICIALS

TRANSPARENCY:  I WILL DO WHATEVER I CAN TO ENSURE TRANSPARENCY IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT, POLICY, ADMINISTRATION, AND DIRECTION; THE TAXPAYER DESERVES TRANSPARENCY

HONESTY:  I WILL CONDUCT MYSELF WITHOUT ANY SMOKE AND MIRRORS.  THE TRUTH WILL BE SPOKEN EVEN IF IT IS NOT WHAT THE MAJORITY WANTS TO HEAR.  THE TAXPAYER DESERVES HONESTY

FUTURE

In the next year or two the Town of Highland will be facing some serious issues.  Issues that will affect us as property owners, as well as taxpayers.  I will do everything in my power to represent the people who stand with me to preserve this beautiful town that we call home.  

As far as my views on further economic development, we do need rateables to help support the infrastructure but not at the expense of what makes this area desirable.  I believe it is of the utmost importance to maintain the hometown country feel when deciding on growth. 

We need to promote independent small business ownership as opposed to corporate owned or franchise/chain businesses.  Our town is in desperate need of a pharmacy, hardware store, bakery, and dining options.  Additionally, if someone comes forward with the intention of starting or opening a small business in Highland, the process should be streamlined, simplified, and expedited when approaching the Planning Board, Town Council, Building Dept., etc. in order to encourage rather than discourage local small business growth.  

I DO NOT support over expansion, massive housing development projects or businesses and organizations that make filings to be removed or exempt from our tax rolls.

My PROMISE to the people of Highland is that I will work with ALL people and parties for the good of the town regardless of affiliation, belief systems or political party.  I will keep you updated and information flowing to the best of my ability on all relevant issues.  If I don’t have an answer, I will find it.