Dear Lebanon residents and voters:
I am running for another term as Town Supervisor and will be seeking the Democratic nomination of my party at the upcoming caucus in August as well as the independent line of a Farm Development/ Renewable Energy party to support these local initiatives at the town and county level.
I have been serving the township since 2002 and we have made great stride with regard to road maintenance, an equipment replacement and road repair schedule, our reserves are very strong and have allowed us to front money during multiple FEMA level disasters without having to borrow or bond while we await reimbursement that can take up to two years, we have enough reserves on hand that have allowed us to make emergency equipment purchases when machinery has required immediate replacement, and we have been able to participate in various municipal savings program to bring down the costs of our electric expenses, municipal insurance and other related costs.
We have done all this while keeping the town tax levy at a very moderate level with few increases and even a few reductions such as last year’s budget. We have supported and encouraged those who have developed a thriving farm to market economy locally while also making sure that our infrastructure remains solid. We have also relentlessly advocated for improved phone service and expanded broadband internet service for rural residents to end the digital divide and create a more inviting atmosphere for business and home relocation to Lebanon. The first round of such state initiatives to expand rural broadband access is expected to begin next year and we have also solicited and sought cell phone provider who could provide more service locally.
At the county level, we are working as a board of supervisors on initiatives that involve dramatic expansion of renewable energy resources, recycling initiatives and finding ways to encourage more economic development of cutting edge technology business expansions that are well suited to our local agricultural and renewable energy economy. We have also funded through loan programs and supported small businesses and industries that have created jobs locally and created a more diverse economy.
Opportunities and challenges for the town in the coming months include seeing if a Community Choice Aggregation system can save the average resident money on their electric bills, considering changes to the town Land Management Local Law, continuing to work on expanding ag development farm to market projects in the township to grow jobs and tourism, continuing our efforts to maintain a solid infrastructure of roads and bridges at the town and county level, and doing all that while keeping the tax rate at a modest or flat level. We also have limited our debt by making cautious use of reserves when necessary.
The greatest challenges that may require countywide or regional partnerships include continued support and delivery of essential first responder services such as fire, ambulance and EMS. The town continues to explore ways to make this as reliable and cost effective at the same time with improved response time.
It has been my honor and privilege to serve as the Lebanon Supervisor the past 16 years and I welcome the opportunity to continue for another two years.
Yours truly,
Jim Goldstein, Town of Lebanon Supervisor
Chair, Madison County Solid Waste and Recycling Committee, Madison County Board of Supervisors; Vice Chair, Madison County Health and Human Services Committee