Resident Don Berger recently announced his bid for Village of Montgomery trustee. If elected, Berger promises to express his concerns about proposed building projects in the village and town and review the budget process.

Berger said his biggest concern is the growth of industry in the village, which he describes as being too much too fast.

“The village that we know today, if we move these projects move forward, will end the quality of life in this village; it’s over,” Berger said.

Berger said he will attend all Town of Montgomery planning board meetings for Medline, a project he opposes.

Berger, as well as other village residents, recently presented verbal and written comment for the scope of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Medline to the town planning board. He promised to continue to submit written and verbal comments to the planning board as a village trustee and be present for the planning board process.

“I would put a study back to [the town planning board] as to what has to be done, pertaining to traffic, flooding, air pollution and quality of life,” Berger said. “The biggest thing in this village is quality of life and we’re gonna lose that if Medline comes in here.”

Berger said he is also concerned about safety for pedestrians attending the schools on Factory Street, which leads to the proposed City Winery project. Montgomery Montessori, the Wallkill River School and Ms. Claire’s Music Cupboard are accessed by Factory Street.

He said that while he thinks City Winery is a wonderful project that will bring business to the village, thought should be given to the safety of residents and visitors. He said Factory Street should be marked as a two-lane road and signage for a school zone erected.

Berger said the entrance to City Winery should also be widened and improved and the railroad crossing should be updated with more safety features.

He said he will also pay closer attention to the village budget process.

“The issue is can the residents of this village afford the rateables that [the village board] presents us?” Berger said. “And I just think that not enough concern is given to the budget process.”

Berger said he will also put residents first during board meetings by expressing his concerns.

“I’ll be sitting on that board and if I don’t hear and see things that I don’t think is in the best interest of this village, I will speak to that matter publicly, at board meetings,” Berger said.

Berger ran for village trustee two years ago, a race he lost. He frequently attends village meetings, so despite his lack of political experience, Berger said he is very familiar with how the village operates and has influenced village operations before in regards to the budget process and other issues.

“Just my mere presence asking questions tends to bring [the village board] into conformance with what a proper budget can be, meaning to keep all the budgets under the tax cap that’s issued,” Berger said.

Berger has owned a home in the village for more than four years and has been a part of the village for most of his life.

The village elections will be held on March 19. Trustees and the mayor hold their office for four years.