K. Wells-Calhoun

REPUBLICAN LINE "B" CANDIDATE FOR TOWN BOARD

KATHY WELLS - CALHOUN

1. Discuss the Water issues in B.G. and what the town can do to help address them? – The Town Board only has administration over certain water districts located outside of the Villages of Washingtonville and South Blooming Grove. I do believe that the 3 government’s need to work together to address and find solutions to maintain, fix, and/or upgrade this system.

2. How would you juggle job, community, family and personal time? – My only commitment concerning this question is my 2 daughters, one of which is grown and working full time. I would be able to commit full time to this part time position. I am available during the day, as well as nights and weekends, to meet with constituents, work on issues and available to respond to any concerns.

3. We seem to have to beg for town services. How can we know you will respond to our needs like roads, street paint double lines, etc? The Town Board works hand and hand with the Highway Superintendent. As an elect official, I would listen to your concerns and work with your community to address issues that could be fixed.

4. How do you plan on bettering the Mt Lodge/Glenwood community? How would you go about it, and what will you do to guarantee that it will happen? I would make sure that planned upgrades (ie; basketball hoops, police patrols, neighborhood watch) are followed through. I would meet with the homeowners assoc. to discuss, and listen to, new ideas and follow through on project already planned

5. How would you bring the 3 governments together for the benefit of all residents of B.G.? I would make sure we have someone on the Town Board who would attend Village meetings and work as a liaison to those government entities to ensure that we are versed on what is going on in each Village. I have already been attending both the villages and town meetings. I have also reached out to Mayor(s) DeVinko and Jeroloman to educate myself on the issues concerning their respective Villages.

6. If you Believe you can lower taxes, please elaborate how? I am proposing a zero based budget for next yr, if elected. I would not say that this will lower taxes but it would make sure that the taxes you are paying are used in the best possible way. It would also allow for an opportunity to look for cost cutting savings. I would not lower taxes or cut spending if it meant that the town, and its residents, would lose necessary money to provide required services to run the town efficiently

7. Have you read the comptrollers report for 2008 for the Town Budget? I haven’t but will be picking it up this week.

8. Would it be beneficial to combine the Village and Town Police Force if the unions agree? The last time this was looked at (in the 80’s) it was voted down by a 2 to 1 margin. I would, however, consider working on this IF the Village of Washingtonville, its residents, and the Police Dept. ALL agreed that they would consider a consolidation.

9. Discuss the O.C. Sewer District and how you believe you can help the VSBG with the governance of that facility? The Sewer District does need help. I have spoken to Mayor Jeroloman and attended the Village meeting that addressed this issue, along with the Water issue. I know they are working on ways to improve this problem. I would offer to work with the Village and the Mayor to look for ways to improve the services.

10.        What value will you have in dealing with the Camp La Guardia issue for B.G.?

All issues concerning the Camp La Guardia must go through the Town Board for approval, even though the B.G. Planning Board is technically acting as the Co- lead agency. I have been attending the Planning Board meetings, the Chester Town Board meetings (that pertain to the Project) and trying to educate myself on the project and what its impact will have on B.G. I would continue to be involved in the process, planning and development of this project to ensure the best outcome for B.G..

11.        Please state the party they are currently enrolled in and what party lines they are running on?

I am currently enrolled as a Republican. I am running on the Republican and Independence lines in this election.

12.   Is Mt Lodge entitled to consideration and services equaling other portions of Blooming Grove? If so, how do you see addressing the needs of Mt Lodge equally, given its unique attributes? Mt Lodge is entitled to all services of the Town. There is police, fire and ambulance coverage. Concerning Roads; The main roads are maintained by the town but all the trails are the responsibility of the residents. I would work with the residents to assist in areas of concern to find equitable solution.

13. Addressed specifically to Me; Who are you running with Michael jahn or Joe Hallar? I am running on the Republican and Independence lines, along with Michael Jahn. I have been running my campaign by myself, as are most candidates. I have a very specific platform that outlines my goals and ideas on how to improve our town government and have been knocking on doors, responding to inquiries, and advertizing my platform. The candidates agreed to run a clean, friendly campaign with emphasis on what we stand for, what we would like to change and without personal attacks that would take away from the main issues. I look forward to continuing this type of relationship with all members of the Town Board regardless of party affiliations. The most important issue is to represent the best interest of ALL Town residents and work together as one to accomplish this.

13. How can a Town Councilperson lower school taxes and how much of the County & Town tax are controlled by the Town Council? Town Council has no control over school taxes and County taxes which make up approximately 80% (or more) of your tax bills. The Town Board has control of the Town budget.

14. How soon after you are elected can we expect 2 basketball courts, a handball court, a fountain and toilets? The basketball court is in the planning process now with some funding already secured by the O.C. Legislature and the NYS Assembly. This is the first I have heard about the fountain and bathrooms.

KATHY A. WELLS CALHOUN

FOR BLOOMING GROVE TOWN BOARD

MY GOALS

GOAL # 1 - Agenda for Town Board Meetings – The agenda for meetings has only been made available to the residents on the night of the town board meeting. I would like to see the work session moved from the previous Tuesday to Monday, thus allowing the publication of a tentative agenda to be advertised in the Orange County Post a week prior to all meetings. Government is supposed to be “by the people and for the people”. Blooming Grove has “excluded the people” for far too long. The advertising of the agenda will be the first step to empowering the people and encouraging community involvement.

GOAL #2 – Provide monthly, weeknight and/or Saturday constituent hours – Elected officials are suppose to work for the People. They should make themselves available to every Constituent and this is why I propose to make myself available every other week at night and on a Saturday morning. I understand that your job and your family can prevent you from being able to meet with your elected officials during normal business hours. I will make sure that you are given the chance to be heard. You have the right as a taxpayer to express yourself, to discuss town issues, and to have your questions answered by your Elected Officials. I will be a “hands on” representative, who is not afraid to meet with you and listen to what you have to say.

GOAL # 3 – Create a Zero-Based budget for 2011– In these tough economic times, the Town should institute a zero based budget, for all departments, instead of just adding to their previous allocations. It is time to bring spending under control. We have all had to re-evaluate our own personal budgets; Blooming Grove government Must do the same. Too many people are struggling to pay their bills, put food on the table and finding it difficult to support their families. Fiscal responsibility by our Town government should be a priority. Cost cutting steps need to be looked at and implemented. A Zero-Based budget requires each Town department to go through every line item, giving them the opportunity to evaluate spending and look for cost-savings possibilities. The residents of Blooming Grove deserve to know their hard earned tax dollars are being spent conservatively and responsibly.

    GOAL # 4 – Seek Federal & State Grants– All available State and Federal

      grants should be researched and if applicable, applied for.

GOAL # 5 – Town Attorney – Hiring a full-time town attorney would eliminate high hourly billed rates. This would provide the town with legal representation, at a set salary, for all departments and boards.

GOAL #6 – “Green” Technology – Explore cost savings green technologies for town buildings; such as solar panels. With numerous funding and grant opportunities available for energy saving upgrades, solar panels alone could save the town up to 30% of their electric bill.

GOAL # 7 – Post Contact Information – Provide email addresses for Town Board members. They work for you and should be easily accessible for any of your questions.

GOAL # 8 – Update Town Website – The town website should be maintained and updated on a regular basis to provide any and all pertinent information concerning agendas, meetings, along with all town hours and contact information.

GOAL # 9 – Eliminate Health Benefits for Part-time Elected Offices