Katy Cashen for Claverack Town Board

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!

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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

Shailer Evans

Shailer Evans

4 Perry Road

Box 365

Claverack, N.Y
851-9435

AA2Y@aol.com

Dear Fellow Citizens,

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

The second half of this letter will tell more of who I am; in this part I want 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.

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WHO AM I?

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

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

I have five grandchildren who live in Vermont. I want them to live in a town in which the government is responsive to their needs and to the needs of their parents. I want the same for you and your children also.

If elected, I will work for you as diligently as I can.

SHAILER EVANS
DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE FOR CLAVERACK TOWN BOARD

Cashen and Evans to run for Claverack Town Board

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.

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

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.

Morgen Bowers Launches Website in Campaign for Town Board

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.