Claverack Democrats

2011 Election Returns for Claverack

2011-11-08T10:30:00.000-05:00

Katy Cashen for Claverack Town Board

2011-10-07T23:13:00.001-04:00

Katy Cashen

124 Roxbury Rd.
Claverack, NY
518-851-7678
kcashen@verizon.net

Dear Neighbor,

This year, two seats are available for the Claverack Town Board in the upcoming election on November 8th. I am asking that you consider electing me, Katy Cashen, to represent you for one of those seats.

I believe that we need our elected officials to listen to the people, put in the time and hard work that it takes to understand the issues, work with colleagues to find solutions and get the job done in a timely manner. The challenging economic times we are facing call for committed individuals who are willing to make some difficult decisions. We need individuals who will think independently and make thoughtful choices on behalf of all the citizens of Claverack. This is what I will stand for if I am elected.

I have deep roots in Claverack. I grew up here and know this town well. Like many of you, I care deeply about maintaining the unique qualities of our small town, while at the same time, creating a welcoming environment where businesses can grow and prosper and our citizens can find employment and support their families.

I have nearly three decades of experience working in the public sector and as a small business owner. I know how things get done in government, how to create a budget and stick to it, and how to listen to the needs of my clients. If elected, I will do the same for my constituents.

I have been a regular attendee of the Claverack Town Board meetings for years and serve on several town-appointed committees. As a result, I am very familiar with the issues facing the town and will be able to step right in and work with the rest of the Board to address the needs of the community. I also have flexibility in my work schedule which will allow me to be available and on-call for any town business.

I have the experience, time, and energy to devote to this job. I hope you will consider voting for me for Claverack Town Board on November 8, 2011. I promise I will work hard for all Claverack residents.

For further details, please see my website at www.KatyCashen.org.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or thoughts you would like to share. Thank you very much for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Katy Cashen

Katy Cashen for Claverack Town Board
I will work hard for you!

• • • • • • • • •

My Experience at the Local Level:

Town of Claverack Agricultural Advisory Committee Member
Town of Claverack Communications Committee Member
Columbia County Environmental Management Council Representative for Claverack
Columbia County Agriculture Farmland Protection Board Member
Board Member, Triform Camphill Community for developmentally disabled individuals

If Elected, I Will:

Keep a watchful eye on all expenditures and make sure taxpayer dollars aren’t wasted.
Promote efforts to bring Internet and Broadband access to all parts of the town.
Work to identify new ways the town can better support existing small businesses and encourage new businesses.
Work with fellow Board Members and the public to implement updated zoning regulations.
Seek out ideas and suggestions from the public and other local officials on potential opportunities for increased coordination of services among nearby towns and villages.
Promote the use of technology to complement the traditional means of distributing town information.
Work with everyone on the Town Board to get things done quickly and efficiently.

Please visit my website: www.KatyCashen.org

Shailer Evans for Claverack Town Board

2011-10-07T22:56:00.000-04:00

ShailerEvans

Shailer Evans

4 Perry Road

Box 365

Claverack, N.Y
851-9435

AA2Y@aol.com

DearFellow Citizens,

Thereare not Democratic or Republican issues in our voting district. There are only people issues. What counts in this election, or anyelection, is the character of the people seeking office and theirwillingness to keep the people’s best interests in mind when makingdecisions; especially when spending their money.

Thesecond half of this letter will tell more of who I am; in this part Iwant to share my political ideas:

No town should spend more than it can afford. As a family, my wife and I do not and neither should the local government.

My vision of local government is to do the most for the taxpayer at the least expense.

Good government over time needs an active two-party system. We may not always think so, but in the long run each party needs the criticism of the other so as to not overstep its authority. A healthy debate over issues is to everyone’s benefit.

Those on the town board are there to serve the community in a fiscally responsible manner.

If elected that is what I pledge to do. I will look at issues and make decisions based on their merits with no regard to special interests.

The Claverack Town Board must support small businesses and encourage new business for the community.

Board meetings do and should continue to include public comment time, where people are encouraged to share their thoughts. Each board member should be willing to discuss issues with citizens.

I served on the Hudson City School Board of Education and had a personal policy of returning calls within 24 hours. I will do the same again if elected. I may not always have an answer for you. If I don’t, I will tell you that and then try to get the answer. You, the public, deserve that kind of respect.

• • • • • • • • • • • •
WHOAM I?

Ihave been a resident of Claverack since 1968, have lived all thistime at 4 Perry Road, and with my wife, Bina, have raised two sons. I attended high school in Cambridge, NY, served four years in theU.S. Air Force, graduated from college, and taught in the Hudson CitySchool system for over 30 years.

Ihave been a past president of the Hudson school board, I am currentlyChairman of the Board of Directors at the CG Federal Credit Union, amember of the Ghent Band, a past member of the Claverack PlanningBoard, and a member of the Hudson Fish and Game Club. I love toshoot and every Friday possible I shoot trap at the club. I haveowned guns most of my life and cherish the right to use them.

Ihave five grandchildren who live in Vermont. I want them to live ina town in which the government is responsive to their needs and tothe needs of their parents. I want the same for you and yourchildren also.

Ifelected, I will work for you as diligently as I can.

SHAILEREVANS
DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE FOR CLAVERACK TOWN BOARD

Ian Nitschke for Claverack Assessor

2011-09-28T19:14:00.000-04:00

IAN NITSCHKE

Claverack Assessor

Knowledgeable
Helpful
Fair

Ian has a strong practical background in real estate, analysis, building research, education, and volunteering.

He fully appreciates the heritage, charm, and vitality of Claverack and has a deep respect for the people of Claverack.

Real Estate & Assessment Experience

• Worked in real estate sales since 1993
• Associate Broker in wife’s 25 year old local business, Peggy Lampman Real Estate
• Knows the homes, businesses, roads, and neighborhoods of Claverack
• Completed dozens of real estate comparative analyses
• Worked with numerous real estate professionals, appraisers, lawyers, mortgage brokers, and bankers
• Helped citizens compile data to successfully and fairly grieve their assessment
• Well informed about assessment issues, including market value, equalization rates, level of assessment, tax maps, and tax rolls

Analysis, Research, & Teaching Experience
• New York State Public Service Commission Analyst, developed and implemented nationally acclaimed energy efficiency programs
• Indoor air quality research consultant, influenced EPA and NYS Department of Health programs to enhance indoor air quality
• Assistant Professor of Physics, Eisenhower College, Rochester Institute of Technology; Physics Ph.D., Syracuse University

“My background in real estate, research, analysis, teaching, and volunteering, provides me with the experience to help tackle the important job of keeping the tax rolls up to date and accurate, so that we can be proud of our assessment system that is fair to everyone.”

If you have comments, questions, or concerns, please contact me at 518-851-7936 or email me at Ian.Nitschke@mac.com

Kathleen Christiano for Claverack Assessor

2011-09-23T03:05:00.000-04:00

2011 - The Year of Competency

2011-09-23T03:00:00.000-04:00

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

This year in Columbia County, voters are going to have a real choice. They can choose whether to support the same old bunch of people, who don't seem to get much done. Or they can chose the incredibly qualified Democrats who are running Countywide this year.

Competency!

(l-r) Richard Koweek, Peter Stoll, Eugene Keeler, Dr George Davis

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Judge Richard Koweek for County Judge

Richard Koweek grew up and has lived is entire life in Columbia County. He raised great kids here too.

He's practiced most every kind of law that is handled at County Court. He was also elected City Judge in 2009 and currently sits in Hudson City Court. That experience will serve him well on the bench. It will also serve the people of Columbia County well. His opponent is sorely lacking the broad based experience that Judge Koweek brings to the bench.

County Court jurisdiction is broad and diverse, and the position of County Court Judge is multifaceted. It requires a person who can deal with emotional family issues with sensitivity and understanding yet is firm and forthright when dealing with people who have harmed others. He also understands the legal complexities of estate and civil practice. But most of all, he is fair and respects all who come before the Court.

Judge Koweek’s background, temperament, and experience uniquely qualify him to be the next Columbia County Court judge

Visit Judge Koweek's website.

Judge Koweek has been endorsed by:
Columbia County Democratic Committee, Working Families Party, and the Hudson Valley Area Labor Federation

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Peter Stoll CPA for County Treasurer

Peter Stoll is a Certified Public Accountant licensed and registered in New York State with extensive audit and income tax experience. He also has an extensive knowledge of information technology, financial systems, and internal controls. Skills that have been sorely lacking, as our county has thrashed back and forth from one unthought out scheme after another.
Peter Stoll has managed the finances for several mid-size businesses for the past 35 years. In this way he has developed the skills required to manage, monitor, and control the way public money is spent in Columbia County. He has a record of implementing major cost savings. Something that the next few years are going to require. He is eager to put his skills to work for the benefit of all of us, and to help reduce the cost of managing the County’s government.

These times require that we seek out and hire only the best people we can find to help solve our financial situation. That is what elections are supposed to be about, hiring the best person for the job at hand. We have found the best person for the job. He is Peter Stoll, the only CPA in the race.

Learn more about Peter on his website.

Peter Stoll has been endorsed by:
Columbia County Democratic Committee, Working Families Party, and the Hudson Valley Area Labor Federation

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Eugene Keeler for District Attorney

Gene Keeler is an institution in Columbia County. He is a former elected district attorney and has heldthe positions of public defender, conflict public defender, and,currently, director of legal and advocacy services at COARC. Geneholds a J.D. degree from the University of Memphis and a master’sdegree from the University of Tennessee. He is an attorney with 30years of general practice that includes criminal law and elder law,and is a licensed master’s-level social worker.Gene Keeler knows what is wrong with the system, because he has seen it from every side.

He has been telling the people of this county that the system is rotten and broken for years. Everyone knows about the cronyism, favoritism and shoddy work at the DA's office. But only one person was willing to stand up and call it out for what it was. That man is Gene Keeler. Lots of people have no problem with what goes on there. Because they figure that if they ever need to get off of a DWI or a domestic assault, that there familial, business or political connections, will get them off. When they have issues with the police or the DA's office, everything is just taken care of, with easy sentences if it even goes to court and rarely does anyone read about it in the paper.

But the regular Jane or Joe, who work hard, pay their taxes try to be good citizens, get the book thrown at them, in order to keep the conviction rate high at the DA's office. Political connections should not buy you a "get out of jail free card". Gene has promised to end the “get out of jail free” program for the well-connected. Instead he will give all citizens equal treatment under the law. Isn't that what we should all expect?

He cares about justice, not statistics. While at the same time, he will make sure that all evidence gets to court and will ooperate fully with the police and community agencies. He will work full time to save the taxpayers money, and will work especially hard to assist victims and to lock up hard-core criminals.

It's time to clean up the mess at the District Attorney's office and stop playing political games with people's lives. Gene will make it a place where all of the citizens of Columbia County will feel that they have an impartial and fair person sitting in the prosecutors chair. Eugene Keeler is the right person for District Attorney.

Eugene Keeler has been endorsed by:
Columbia County Democratic Committee Working Families Party, and the Hudson Valley Area Labor Federation

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Dr. George Davis for County Coroner

Dr. Davis has served one four year term as County Coroner. He is also the only doctor in recent memory to serve as Coroner. Shockingly, the Coroner's position does not require any medical training at all. All that is required is getting the most votes on Election Day.

Not many people understand what a corner does. Most people think that the coroner pronounces people "dead". In fact the coroner often gets to the scene quite a while after a person has died. What the coroner mostly does, is investigate why or how the person died. In essence the coroner is the advocate for the deceased.

Dr. Davis has four years experience as County Coroner. He has 30 years’ experience in family practice medicine in Columbia County. He has done extensive training in death investigation. He has a detailed knowledge of the legal system and ethics, and holds a Master’s Degree in bioethics, along with extensive experience in grief work.

He is the advocate for those who have no voices. He is the compassionate doctor who tends to the grieving families. He is the only candidate in the race for coroner with the education, experience and medical training to do the job properly.

He has earned the thanks and apprecaition from so many people in Columbia County, because he was there for them at one of the worst times in their life. He's earned their respect and he should have your vote. Keep the doctor at the corner's office.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Meet the Claverack Democratic Candidates

2011-09-16T13:30:00.002-04:00

Come Meet and Support our

Claverack Town Candidates!!

Katy Cashen for Town Board
Shailer Evans for Town Board
Kathie Christiano for Town Assessor
Ian Nitschke Town Assessor

Sunday, October 2, 2011
3:00-5:00 p.m.

Home of Meg & Jim Cashen
73 Roxbury Road

Light Refreshments and Hors d'oeuvres
(kids welcome)

Donations Appreciated (Whatever you can give!)

If you can't come, you may send a check to:
Claverack Democratic Committee
303 Roxbury Rd. Hudson, NY 12534

or contribute on-line at: ActBlue

Any questions, contact Katy Cashen at
kcashen@verizon.net or 851-7678.

Claverack Caucus Results

2011-09-05T11:14:00.001-04:00

KATY CASHEN, SHAILER EVANS NOMINATED AT
CLAVERACK DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS

(L-R) Kathleen Christiano, Shailer Evans, Katy Cashen, Ian Nitschke

The Claverack Democratic Caucus, held September 1, 2011 at AB Shaw firehouse, unanimously nominated Katy Cashen and Shailer Evans for the two open Town Board seats, and Kathleen Christiano and Ian Nitschke for the two open Assessor positions.

Katy Cashen was raised in Claverack on her family farm and is a Taconic Hills High School graduate. A small business owner, she is currently an active member of the town Agricultural Advisory Committee and the town Communications Committee. "I look forward to meeting residents in the coming months and listening to their views, as well as sharing my ideas and solutions to save taxpayer dollars in Claverack," said Cashen. For Katy’s campaign website, see: www.katycashen.org.

Shailer Evans is a retired schoolteacher from the Hudson City School District where he also served on the Board of Education. He is a U.S. Air Force veteran, plays baritone horn in the Ghent Band, and is an active member of the Hudson Fish and Game Club. He is also currently Chair of the Board of Directors of the Columbia-Greene Federal Credit Union. Evans said, “My vision of local government is basic: to do the most for the taxpayer at the least expense.”

Kathleen Christiano, candidate for Assessor, moved to Claverack from Ghent 10 years ago, where she served on the Ghent Zoning Board for 15 years. She is a bookkeeper/management consultant by profession and owns her own small business for money and business management. "My background in organizing, bookkeeping, land use and zoning give me a solid foundation to serve as Claverack Assessor," said Christiano.

Ian Nitschke, candidate for Assessor, is a member of the Claverack Historic Preservation Advisory Committee. He is retired from the New York State Department of Public Service and currently is an associate broker with Peggy Lampman Real Estate. Nitschke said, "The assessment process should be straightforward and one of the assessors' main goals should be to make it as easy as possible for taxpayers to understand their assessment."

Cashen and Evans to run for Claverack Town Board

2011-08-16T15:01:00.000-04:00

The Claverack Democratic Executive Committee have unanimously endorsed Katy Cashen and Shailer (“Shelly”) Evans for the two open Town Board seats in the November election. Kathleen Christiano and Ian Nitschke were nominated for the two open Assessor positions in Claverack.

Cashen was raised in Claverack on their family farm and attended Taconic Hills High School. She is currently an active member of the town Agricultural Advisory Committee, the town Communications Committee, the Claverack representative on the Columbia County Environmental Management Council and was recently appointed to the Columbia County Agricultural Protection Board. Katy owns her own business, providing legislative and policy support to state governments, and also helps out where needed on the family vegetable and beef farm. “I’ve learned a great deal volunteering on several town and county committees and in the community, and I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and work hard on behalf of all of our town’s residents,” said Cashen.

Shelly Evans is a retired school teacher from the Hudson City School District where he also served on the Board of Education. Shelly is a U.S. Air Force veteran, has coached Little League and Babe Ruth baseball, and has served on the Claverack Planning Board. He is currently Chair of the Board of Directors of the Columbia-Greene Federal Credit Union. Shelly is also an active member of the Hudson Fish and Game Club and the Ghent Band, where he plays baritone horn. He and his wife, Bina, live on Perry Road in Claverack. Shelly says, “My vision of local government is basic: to do the most for the taxpayer at the least expense.”

Claverack Democratic Town Chair, Deborah Shakotko stated, “We in Claverack are extremely fortunate that committed citizens like Katy and Shelly have stepped forward to help lead the town. Both are well-informed and actively involved, and want to help in these very difficult economic times. Both have strong community support, and will support and encourage businesses while preserving the rural character of our town. ”

Kathie Christiano, candidate for Assessor, moved to Claverack from Ghent 10 years ago, where she served on the Ghent Zoning Board for 15 years. She is a bookkeeper/management consultant by profession and owns her own small business for money and business management. Kathie is running for assessor because she believes she can provide our residents with clear and simplified information they need to understand the assessment process.

Ian Nitschke, candidate for Assessor, is a member of the Claverack Historic Preservation Advisory Committee and recently completed a grant submission on behalf of the town to restore the Shaw Bridge. He is retired from the New York State Department of Public Service and currently is an associate broker for Peggy Lampman Real Estate.

The Claverack Democrats will hold their Democratic Town Caucus on Thursday, September 1, 2011, at 7:00 P.M., at the AB Shaw Firehouse Upstairs Room, Route 9H, Claverack.

Robin Andrews Wins Supervisor Race

2009-12-06T22:37:00.004-05:00

In Claverack, the election day machine vote put Democratic challenger Robin Andrews ahead of incumbent Republican Jim Keegan by 21 votes: 872 to 851.

In the first round of absentee ballot counting, Andrews picked up 55 votes to Keegan’s 48.

In the final round, Andrews picked up 43 votes to Keegan’s 14, making Andrews the winner: 970 to 913.
See complete election returns for the Town of Claverack.

See also: http://www.robinandrews.org

Robin Andrews With Slight Lead in Claverack Supervisors Race

2009-11-05T01:11:00.003-05:00

Claverack Supervisor Race

Too Close to Call!

Read: Robin Andrews With Slight Lead in Claverack Supervisors Race on Columbia County - Democrats Rising.

Morgen Bowers and Matthew Bowe, Claverack Town Board Candidates Profiled in Register-Star

2009-10-18T05:29:00.000-04:00

Candidates seek two spots on the town council

Published: Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Morgen Bowers is endorsed by Eleanor Roosevelt Legacy Committee

Morgen Bowers, 41, Churchtown (Claverack)

Lived in the county: 7 yrs, Previous residence: NYC

Office being sought: Town Board, Claverack

Endorsements received: Democratic Party, Eleanor Roosevelt Legacy Committee, Claverack Party

High school: Stuyvesant H.S.

College: Bard College; Cardozo Law School

Dogrees: B.A.; J.D

Occupation:

Attorney; Farmer

Years in that occupation: 9 yrs; 2+ yrs

Ever been convicted of a crime? No

Memberships/Affiliations:

Vice President (2009), certified first responder and interior firefighter, Churchtown Fire Company (2005 present).

Volunteer at Ashley's Barn Horse Rescue (2005 present).

Founding member and treasurer Neighbors for Claverack (a community organization for residents of the Town of Claverack who are committed to maintaining the character of the Town and who support the principles of good growth (approximately 300 members) (2005 present).

NY State Bar Association (2000 present).

Top three issues facing your town:

1. Create, attract and maintain jobs and businesses in Claverack. One of the biggest challenges Claverack faces is attracting and maintaining jobs and businesses. While Claverack has many small and home based businesses, the Town Board can play an active role in supporting them. For example, having zoning laws that are compatible with the needs of residents as well as with the businesses we want to attract and sustain will allow new investors to better e valuate their projects and will help existing businesses meet their goals.

That's why, if elected, I'm committed to providing the following:

Provide the Zoning Task Force the tools they need to efficiently and quickly enact the new Comprehensive Plan.
Enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of Town government and services through the prudent use of technology and alternative energy.
Pursue Town wide broadband service
Create community spaces to enhance our quality of life and employment opportunities
Work toward making more affordable, housing available.

At the same time I recognize our agricultural heritage and will work to preserve our local farms and create an environment where new farms can flourish.

2. Bring transparency, responsiveness and communication to the workings of our town. In speaking with many residents, I have heard repeatedly that they feel unrepresented. They don't know what is going on in the Town, and when they do try to have an issue addressed, they do not feel listened to or respected. If I'm elected, I'm dedicated to listening to all residents regarding the issues they care about, including job creation, affordable housing, economic growth, land use, and community space, and bring them back to the board for consideration. I'm not running for Town Board with a personal agenda; my goal is to give all Claverack residents a voice in their Town government. To keep residents informed, I'll encourage the Supervisor to issue agendas prior to meetings, see that the town website is kept up to date, and ensure the press is informed.

I also intend to establish regular office hours at least one day a week. Additionally, I intend to review the current ethics rules and make sure that our local elected and appointed officials act in the public interest, and that laws and rules are applied fairly to everyone.

3. Ensure that our tax dollars are spent carefully and wisely. In the current economy, taxes are on everyone's mind. As a fiscal conservative, I'll do everything I can to ease that burden for residents. To that end, I will carefully review and negotiate contracts that the Town enters into as well as identify Town expenditures that can be cut. I'll maximize revenues by actively pursuing alternative funding sources like grants, and investigating ways we can save money by sharing services with other municipalities. A well balanced budget is more than a budget where revenues meet expenditures. It is one that provides residents with quality services they need and want. I believe that my willingness to look beyond ideology, my commitment to maintaining our way of life, and my experience at building consensus are what we need on our Town Board.

Matthew Bowe, Democrat, wants more accessible town government

Matthew Bowe, 51, Claverack ,

Lived in the county: 14 years.

Previous residence: Rhinebeck

Office being sought: Claverack town board

Endorsements received: Democratic party/Claverack party

High school: Rhinebeck Central

College: Dutchess Community College, SUNY New Paltz, Parsons School of Design, school of visual arts

Military service: U.S. Navy 1976 1980

Occupation: Land Surveyor

Years in that occupation: 28

Ever been convicted of a crime? no

Memberships/Affiliations:

New York State Association of Professional Land Surveyors, Eastern New York Society of Land Surveyors, Board of directors Columbia County Chamber Of Commerce, Trout Unlimited

Family:

Lisa registered nurse, Garth Freshman at Northeastern University School of Law

Top three issues facing town:

The availability of state and federal grant monies for community improvement projects should be explored as Claverack faces the future in a difficult and uncertain economy.

The continued use of the Claverack school building is a long standing community issue. Pending the results of a thorough inspection and evaluation, it could be converted for a variety of much needed public uses and its acquisition by the town would preserve its legacy.

An open and accessible town government is the key for bringing the best ideas of all the people to light by offering voters the chance to be heard. Making the agendas for Claverack town board meetings available in advance and promptly posting the minutes from previous month's meeting on the town website would serve to help engage residents in the process of governance.

Register-Star Profile on Ian Nitschke in His Race for Claverack Town Assessor

2009-10-18T05:06:00.002-04:00

Ian Nitschke takes on incumbent Charles W. Brewer in the Race for Claverack Town Assessor

Published: Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Ian Nitschke, 67, Claverack, lived in the county 16 years

Previous residence: Albany, Syracuse

Office being sought: Assessor

Endorsements received: Democratic Party, Claverack Party

Previous elected offices, if any: None

High school: Concordia College, Adelaide, South Australia

College: Adelaide University, Syracuse University

Degree(s): B.Sc. (Honors), Ph.D.(Physics)

Military service? None

Occupation:

REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONAL

Salesperson (1993-2004) Associate Broker (2004-Present) Peggy Lampman Real Estate, Claverack NY. Specialize in historic and architecturally interesting homes and country properties.

PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION ANALYST

Utility Management Analyst (1995-2003) Energy Efficiency Analyst (1990-1995) Worked to develop and evaluate incentives to encourage electric utilities to implement some of the most aggressive and cost-effective energy efficiency programs in the nation, saving hundreds of millions of dollars for homeowners.

BUILDING ENERGY CONSULTANT

Senior Associate and Research Director, The Fleming Group, Syracuse, NY (1981-1989) Managed pioneering building energy research projects with subcontractors from Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory and the Harvard School of Public Health with research results presented worldwide.

UNIVERSITY AND COLLEGE EDUCATOR

Assistant Professor of Physics, Eisenhower College, Rochester Institute of Technology (1979-1980)

Adjunct Lecturer, University College of Syracuse University (1980)

Lecturer/Post-Doctoral Intern/Teaching Assistant, Physics Dept., Syracuse University (1966-1979)

Teaching Assistant, Physics Dept., University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (1965-1966)

Ever been convicted of a crime? No

CONTINUES

Memberships/Affiliations

CURRENT MEMBERSHIPS

Columbia-Greene Board of Realtors, National Association of Realtors, Claverack Neighbors, Claverack Democrats, The Olana Partnership, Hudson Opera House, Historic Hudson, Columbia County Council for the Arts, Columbia County Chamber of Commerce, Hudson River Heritage, Scenic Hudson, Preservation League of New York State.

PAST MEMBERSHIPS

Friends of Hudson. Testified in Athens Gen proceedings that the proposed plant would adversely affect scenic views and historic resources. Acting as my own counsel and expert witness, developed environmental Testimony, cross-examined witnesses, and wrote several detailed Briefs. Provided similar resources for the St Lawrence Cement proceeding, eventually totaling 700 pages that were submitted to the New York State Department of State who ruled that the cement plant should not be built.

Clover Reach. Founded Clover Reach to enrich Claverack's heritage, charm, and vitality. Clover Reach was awarded the 1996 Historic Preservation Award from the Columbia County Council for the Arts and grants totaling $4,800 from the New York State Preservation League. Organized a Historic House Tour and Receptions that raised additional expenses for placing 16 Claverack historic properties on the National Register of Historic Places.

Preservation Association of Central New York. Member of the Board of Directors responsible for the administration of a Syracuse house museum and the preservation of historically significant landmarks in a five-county area.

Syracuse Urban Cultural Park Committee. Appointed by the Mayor of Syracuse to develop plans to set aside and interpret historically significant urban sites. Identified the commercial potential of unused industrial sites along Onondaga Creek that have since attracted hundreds of millions of dollars of investment.

Past Professional Memberships. American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE); Air & Waste Management Association (A&WMA) [formerly the Air Pollution Control Association]; The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS); American Physical Society (APS)

Family:

Son: Jonathan Nitschke 36 year-old chemistry lecturer and researcher at the University of Cambridge, England, and father of three-month old Leila Nitschke.

Daughter: Anna Nitschke 23 year-old currently living in Schenectady.

Wife: Peggy Lampman, Columbia County native and owner of a 23-year-old thriving local business, Peggy Lampman Real Estate.

Top three issues facing your town:

1. ASSESSMENT TRANSPARENCY AND TIMELINESS

The New York State Office of Real Property Services provides Annual Aid to municipalities that keep assessments at 100 percent of market value. This enables taxpayers to understand and determine whether they are over assessed in a straightforward way each year.

However, Claverack has not been systematically reassessed since 2004, one of the longest periods of any town in the county. The Office of Real Property Services estimates that 2009 Claverack assessments are only at 67 percent of market value, one of the lowest rates in the county.

Meanwhile, our sister town, Kinderhook, has maintained assessments at 100 percent of market value for each of the last eight years and has been rewarded with State Aid totaling about $150,000. Unlike in Claverack, Kinderhook’s tax rolls are up-to-date, accurate, fair, with no need for school and county tax adjustments across boundaries.

With my background in real estate, research, analysis, teaching, and as a former state worker, I’m ideally suited to work with the Office of Real Property Services, the two other Assessors, and Claverack property owners to tackle the important job of updating the tax rolls fairly, honestly, and with integrity. I have deep respect for the people of Claverack, and would carefully listen to grievances, and make sure property owners understand assessments by providing informational workshops and office hours.

2. ASSESSMENT EQUITY

Claverack properties are typically reassessed only when they change hands, based on the purchase price of the property, rather than a systematic review of all properties in the town on a regular basis. That means that people are being penalized for buying homes in our town: whether they are a local young couple buying a house for the first time, retirees downsizing, people relocating to the area, or second-home buyers. They are all bearing an unfair tax burden, and this is unacceptable at a time when we want to encourage families to buy a home in Claverack.

The result is extreme variations in tax bills for Claverack residents. It is not unusual in Claverack for two comparable homes to have extremely different assessments. This is patently unfair and possibly illegal (see Krugman v Board of Assessors, Atlantic Beach, New York).

As tax assessor, I would review the tax rolls to ensure that homes are valued appropriately and legally. The result would not be a reduction in overall tax revenues for the town. If every home is assessed appropriately, taxes will be applied fairly and consistently to all residents and there should be little change from year to year in individual property taxes for the majority of homeowners.

3. ASSESSMENT EFFICIENCIES AND COST CONTROL

There are many opportunities in Claverack and Columbia County for efficiencies, cost control, and assessment reform.

The most obvious first step for Claverack is to take advantage of current aid programs offered by the State of New York. This includes the Annual Aid Program mentioned above, which Kinderhook has taken advantage of over the past several years, providing more than $150,000 in aid.

Another possible area of opportunity is a move to a Countywide Department of Assessment, successfully used by Tompkins County. It is estimated that this would save Columbia County approximately $200,000 per year although there would be one-time transitional cost of approximately $1,000,000 with a payback period of about five years. (State grants have the potential to reduce this cost). In a Countywide Department of Assessment, a common level of assessment, a single reappraisal cycle, and a single consolidated database would be used to provide accurate, consistent, fair, and equitable assessments.

A valuable tool that has emerged in the field of property valuation is Geographic Information Systems (GIS). A well-defined and thought-out GIS program has the ability to integrate geographic data into assessment valuation and greatly improve the accuracy of assessments and control costs.

Register-Star Endorses Robin Andrews for Supervisor

2009-10-14T00:57:00.003-04:00

In a big boost for her campaign, the Register-Star today endorsed Democrat Robin Andrews for Claverack Supervisor.

"Some time ago town and county politics were, shall we say, “easier” and a laid-back approach was commonplace. However, those days are long behind us and Claverack residents would be better served by a person who will be proactive and not shy away from asking the tough questions and making sure they all have been answered before formulating a stance. Therefore, we recommend Claverack voters elect Robin Andrews as their next town supervisor."

Read Andrews Brings Voices Together and read the Endorsement.

Claverack Dems to Meet Neighbors

2009-10-09T22:06:00.003-04:00

Join us for a family fun, pumpkin decoration party and a chance to meet the candidates.

Pictured are this years Claverack Democratic Candidates.
(l-r) Matt Bowe, Morgen Bowers, Robin Andrews, and Ian Nitschke.

The Claverack Democratic Committee will host a Halloween family pumpkin decoration party and chance to meet the candidates from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 17 in the upstairs room of AB Shaw Firehouse on Route 9H in Claverack.

While kids decorate pumpkins, voters will have an opportunity to speak directly with Supervisor candidate, Robin Andrews, Town Board candidates Morgen Bowers and Matt Bowe, and Assessor candidate, Ian Nitschke.

Pumpkins will be provided to all children, and cider donuts will be available to everyone. Markers and other decorating ideas will be offered to the children.

All Claverack residents are invited and encouraged to attend.

For more information, please contact:

George Rodenhausen at 851-7199 or Cyndy Hall 851-7980.

More at: Register-Star

Come Meet Our Candidates!

2009-08-27T20:53:00.006-04:00

This Sunday, August 30, Jeff Bancroft and Dan Coffman are hosting a “Meet & Greet” for this November’s candidates.

Why should you come?
1) Jeff and Dan always throw a great party!
2) If you haven’t met some of the candidates yet, it’s a great chance
3) If you do know the candidates, we are also using this opportunity to do a little fundraising. So stop by, say hello and bring a check!

Here are the details…
"Meet and Greet" Claverack Democratic Candidates for November 3rd election
Robin Andrews - Supervisor
Matthew Bowe - Town Board
Morgen Bowers - Town Board
Ian Nitschke - Assessor

Sunday, August 30, 2009
3:00 - 5:00 pm

At the home of Jeff Bancroft and Dan Coffman
8 Maple Terrace, Philmont

Hope to see you there!

Morgen Bowers Launches Website in Campaign for Town Board

2009-08-25T13:36:00.005-04:00

Morgen Bowers has launched a website in her bid for Claverack Town Board.

Morgen is a volunteer firefighter, farmer and attorney living in the hamlet of Churchtown. She works part-time at a small law firm in Chatham doing primarily business law, trusts and estates law, intellectual property law and real estate law. The rest of the time she can be found working on her alpaca farm, Dreamwood Farm, or volunteering at Ashley’s Barn, a horse rescue on Fish and She was nominated along with Matt Bowe by the Claverack Democratic Committee for the two open seats on the Town Board at the Committee Caucus on July 27, 2009.

Game Road

. She is also the Vice President of the Churchtown Fire Company, as well as an active firefighter and certified first responder. Morgen has been attending Town Board meetings since 2004.

Also nominated were Robin Andrews for Supervisor, Ian Nitschke for tax assessor, and Louis Lamont for highway superintendent.

Find Morgen's website here.

Claverack Democratic Committee Holds Caucus

2009-08-23T04:46:00.003-04:00

The Claverack Democratic Committee held its caucus at Town Hall on July 26th to nominate candidates for town offices in the November 3rd election.

Robin Andrews of Church Street, Philmont, currently a village trustee in Philmont, was nominated as town supervisor, and Morgen Bowers of Miller Road, Churchtown, and Matt Bowe of Van Wyck Lane, Claverack, were nominated for the two open seats on the Town Board.

More at Register-Star
You may have missed

Robin Andrews, Candidate for Claverack Supervisor Launches Website

2009-06-29T15:25:00.003-04:00

Claverack Supervisor Candidate, Robin Andrews launches new website.

Robin Andrews is an energetic and hardworking public servant. Since 1999 Robin has worked as a member of the Philmont Main Street Committee, Philmont Local Development Corp, and Philmont Village Board of Trustees. Robin is a leader in the effort to keep Pine Haven in Philmont, and joins others in scrutinizing the ongoing rash decisions of current Supervisors.

With her commitment to listening and communicating, perseverance and creative problem solving, Robin wants to keep Claverack the way it is while enhancing its residents' lives. She is an independent thinker who truly cares about our community.

More at: http://www.robinandrews.org/

NEW SUPERVISOR CANDIDATE FOR CLAVERACK

2009-06-08T11:14:00.002-04:00

For Immediate Release

NEW SUPERVISOR CANDIDATE FOR CLAVERACK
Claverack – Robin Andrews has announced her intention to run for Claverack Town Supervisor for this year’s upcoming election in November. Ms. Andrews currently holds a seat as Philmont Village Trustee and notes “I had no idea I was going to enjoy this work so much. It has inspired me to do even more.” Andrews has been very involved in the effort to keep Pine Haven in Philmont and is on the Supervisors sub-committee that is looking into the options for Pine Haven.

A Columbia County Leadership graduate, Robin has been a long time active volunteer in the community and then was elected as Village Trustee in 2007. As Village Trustee, she has been responsible for the opening and program development of the Philmont Community Center, has negotiated the purchase of the Village Green, has facilitated discussions among neighbors to have a parking plan for the Hearth that worked for everyone and has initiated the development of trails at Summit Heights. Her involvement with business development began when she became a member of the Philmont Comprehensive Plan Board and wrote the sections on Working in Philmont and Visiting Philmont. As a small business owner herself, she helped to compile the list of almost 100 businesses in the area and held annual networking gatherings as Chair of the Main Street Committee. She was the founding President of the Philmont Local Development Board and still serves with both groups, most recently completing a brochure on Doing Business in Philmont.

“My experience on the Village Board has taught me that with some creative problem solving and a lot of hard work, energy, perseverance, listening and communicating you can really make a difference. And that’s what I want to bring to Claverack.” Andrews notes that her priorities are actively promoting small business development; using her technical skills to facilitate improved efficiencies and communication; and pursuing supportive solutions for optimized community space – addressing the needs for the Claverack library, the firehouse, the post office, the town hall, the Mellenville Grange and general community meeting space, through grants and other creative opportunities.

Andrews is a publishing consultant, working out of her home doing software training and support for magazine circulation planning and financial budgeting. Her clients include large publications such as ESPN, Wall Street Journal and Yankee. She grew up in Springfield, MA and has lived in Claverack for 10 years with her partner Chris Lastovicka and their two cats, Dill and Basil.

Contact: Robin Andrews
672-4399
robindawn@verizon.net

2008 Election Results From Claverack and Columbia County

2008-11-07T22:49:00.003-05:00

For Election Returns from Claverack and all of Columbia County Click Here

Claverack Democrats

2008-02-27T23:57:00.001-05:00

Everything you need to know about the Democratic Party in the
Village of Philmont
and the Town of Claverack.