Republican Charles Carnes, seeking his 11th two-year term as Crawford Town Supervisor, is being challenged by Suzanne Schubert in his bid for re-election.
Carnes, a financial advisor at Commonwealth Financial Network, has served for 20 years. He is running on the Republican and Conservative lines. Schubert is a lifelong Crawford resident. According to her website, she is a lifelong resident of Crawford. Her family has been involved in areas of politics for generations. Her great-grandfather was the first Commissioner of Welfare for Orange County and her father a union Shop Steward. She appears on the Democratic and the Now lines on November 2.
In other races, there are four candidates for two seats on the town board. Kelly Eskew, a candidate for Orange County Clerk, is leaving the board. Republican Michael J. Menendez is seeking re-election to the board. He is joined in the race by three newcomers. Republican Jason Muehr and Democrats Lynda Rogers-Seeley and Candace Scott are also in the running for the two board seats.
Incumbent Constance Lattimer is being challenged by Francis L. Demuth for tax collector.
Other races are uncontested. Bryan M. Kulak and Mark L. Schuh are running for the two Town Justices positions; Jessica Kempter is seeking re-election for town clerk, and John Yarosz is running for highway superintendent.
The Wallkill Valley Times distributed questionnaires to town candidates. Responses from the candidates who chose to participate are presented below.
Charles E. Carnes
Position sought: Town of Crawford Supervisor
Party affiliation; Republican and Conservative
Party lines appearing on the ballot: Republican and Conservative
Key endorsements: Town of Crawford Republicans, Orange County Conservatives, and Town of Crawford Police Benevolent Association
Why do you wish to serve? To keep the Town affordable for our residents and a great place to live and work as well as preserve our traditional way of life.
Future plans include expanded recreation facilities and increased Police services for our residents safety. We are also in construction for a new improved water supply and hope to attract affordable housing for our residents when our water project is complete
What qualifications do you have that are pertinent to the position you are seeking? Senior Financial Advisor at Commonwealth Financial as well as an Accredited Investment Fiduciary. We have been under the tax cap for every year since it was established while increasing services
What are a few of the most important issues presently facing the Town? Affordable housing for our residents as well as completing a new and improved water supply for the hamlet of Pine Bush that is affordable.
If elected, what steps would you take to solve these issues? We are currently working on the issues discussed above.
If there is any additional information you wish to include, please add it here: New York State has become a costly State to live in and constantly passes on new regulations and requirements that increase costs. My goal is to find grants and budget the taxpayers money conservatively so residents can afford to live in our community.
Suzanne Schubert
Position sought: Supervisor Town of Crawford
Party affiliation: Now; Democratic
Party lines appearing on the ballot: Now; Democratic
Key endorsements: I represent the community. We have not requested any special interest endorsements.
Why do you wish to serve? I have the passion, commitment and drive to put community first, to regain enthusiasm with fresh ideas and sensible spending. It is time for change; for the focus to be turned back onto the community; to provide safe water; to manage a responsible fiscal policy that leads to sustainable growth.
What qualifications do you have that are pertinent to the position you are seeking? I am devoted to my community and the representation of the people. I am disciplined, hardworking, organized and results driven. I have decades of nonprofit experience, including grant writing and training others for state-funded programs/projects, managing budgets and overseeing staff. I will seek community opinion on major decisions by the people affected. I will work to make all decisions carefully and with transparency. I will pursue a working relationship with local businesses to help them succeed and grow with our town.
What are a few of the most important issues presently facing the Town? We need to work to rebuild and improve our daily lives; the water, repair the roads, expand the walking trails, create a public waterfront access parks for families, a dog park. I will instate term limits; 20 years in office is too long. I will reinstate bids for public projects and bulk garbage pickup. I will encourage the growth of public programs at underutilized town properties and move to open the parks year-round so winter activities may be enjoyed, as well.
If elected, what steps would you take to solve these issues? I will actively seek grants at a local, state, and federal level to support necessary projects including the water and roads. I hope to oversee a transparent and approachable board that will focus on the community and represent the people.
If there is any additional information you wish to include, please write it here: We cannot look to the future without examining our past. But if elected officials constantly yearn for the past, they lack the vision to bring us into the future.
Mike Menendez
Position sought: Town Councilman
Party affiliation: Republican
Party lines appearing on the ballot: Republican and Conservative.
Key endorsements: Town of Crawford Republican Committee, Orange County Conservative Party, Crawford PBA.
Why do you wish to serve? I’ve always been a part of the agricultural industry, and I believe that serving on the Town Board is a great asset to the farming community in Crawford. Also, the current administration has accomplished so much in the last 20 years, with the addition of new parks and walking trails, a new community center for seniors, new highway facilities, expanded youth programs and sports facilities, a downtown revitalization. I would like to continue this positive trend while keeping spending in check.
What qualifications do you have that are pertinent to the position you are seeking? I am a strong fiscal conservative, which has allowed Crawford to stay under the state mandated 2% tax cap every year since it’s inception. In 2022, Crawford will pass a budget with a 0% increase in spending while increasing essential services, which is extraordinary in these uncertain times. I have also spent my entire career working in the agricultural community, which is very helpful in keeping our rural character.
What are a few of the most important issues presently facing the Town? One of the most critical issues of our time is the support given to our first responders – Police, Firefighters, EMTs and Ambulance workers that keep us safe and secure. Also, we are currently making essential improvements to our water and sewer systems, which need to be completed.
If elected, what steps would you take to solve these issues? This Town Board has always taken steps to ensure our first responders are equipped to do their work, and our budget reflects this. Also, we are on the verge of connecting a new water supply that the town needs. These are ongoing solutions to issues we have faced.
If there is any additional information you wish to include, please write it here: As Councilman, I will continue to work to achieve results that will keep rural Crawford a beautiful, safe, and affordable place to live. Thank you for your trust and support.
Jason Muehr
Position sought: Town Council
Party affiliation: Republican
Party lines: Republican
Key endorsements: Town of Crawford Republican Committee
Why do you wish to serve? I wish to serve as councilman to help maintain our conservative small town values that define the Town of Crawford. As a small business owner in the Town of Crawford I understand attracting small businesses to the town and giving them the opportunity to thrive should be a top priority. The Town of Crawford has been proven to be a great place to raise our children. Actively participating in our town government as a councilman is a way I can not only give back to my community but also help ensure that the Town of Crawford continues to be an attractive community for families. Given the recent divisive polarization of politics in this country I believe that there is no place for this in our local government and is not only counterproductive, but a distraction for what this community really needs.
What qualifications do you have that are pertinent to the position you are seeking? Over my 25-year career as a corporate pilot I have had the opportunity to serve on and lead several committees creating policies and procedures. My primary focus in the aviation industry is safety management systems and business management. I also oversee the daily operations of my own small business and know first hand what a small business needs to succeed.
What are a few of the most important issues presently facing the town? Attracting small businesses to the Town of Crawford is an important issue to improve our tax base for the town while already established businesses would benefit from increase in foot traffic. As a resident of the water district I understand the concerns related to the water supply and quality. While this is not an issue for all town residents it does effect the residents and businesses in the Pine Bush hamlet.
If elected, what steps would you take to solve these issues: Solving the water issue is a long term process. As a candidate, I’ve come to understand the process is complex and expensive. If elected, I truly believe my role along with the Town of Crawford board should be actively engaging in solutions that are equally effective and cost efficient, and then communicating these decisions to our residents. Attracting small businesses is ongoing and rewarding for the community and I plan to bring new ideas to the town board.
Jessica Kempter
Position sought: Town Clerk
Party affiliation: Republican and Conservative
Party lines appearing on the ballot: Republican and Conservative
Key endorsements: Town of Crawford Republican Committee, Orange County Conservative Committee and Town of Crawford Police Benevolent Association
Why do you wish to serve? I love our community and want to continue safeguarding our important town records and serving our residents.
What qualifications do you have that are pertinent to the position you are seeking? I have been Town Clerk for almost three years and Deputy Town Clerk prior. Having been with the Town almost eight years I have a good understanding of how the various Town departments work with one another thereby making it easier and more efficient to get things done. I worked as Secretary to the President and Secretary to the Board of Directors of the National Bank of Florida for 12 years which exposed me to minute taking, agendas, budgets, reconciliations and various clerical duties.
What are a few of the most important issues presently facing the Town? Being a small town we try to keep things simple, but we need to continue to grow with our technology with a big town feel without losing our small-knit feeling while continuing to help to keep our town affordable for our residents.
If elected, what steps would you take to solve these issues? I would encourage the growth of our technological advances and yet continue to serve the residents across my counter with a smile.
If there is any additional information you wish to include, please write it here: I may not always have the answer when you come to me, but I can usually track down someone who can help you.
Connie Latimer
Position sought: Tax Collector
Party affiliation: Republican
Party lines appearing on the ballot: Republican
Key endorsements: Town of Crawford Republican Committee
Why do you wish to serve? I wish to continue serving the people in the Town of Crawford in a professional and capable manner.
What qualifications do you have that are pertinent to the position you are seeking? As the current Tax Collector, I have been serving the people in the Town of Crawford since 2008 with trusted experience, proven integrity, and accurate results. Prior to serving as Tax Collector, I served as Deputy Tax Collector from 2006-2008.
Bryan Kulak
Position sought: Town Justice
Party affiliation: Republican
Party lines appearing on the ballot: Republican and Conservative Parties.
Key endorsements: Town of Crawford Police Benevolent Association
Why do you wish to serve? I have been serving the Town of Crawford as a Town Justice since 2004. I would like to continue in the Town Justice position, which permits me to assist in the resolution of disputes between residents of the Town and oversee criminal and vehicle and traffic matters.
What qualifications do you have that are pertinent to the position you are seeking? I have been the Town Justice for a period of nearly 17 years, and currently serve as the head of the Municipal Court Department. In addition to my Town Justice work, I have been a trial attorney for over 37 years. I am currently the Managing Attorney for a large law Office, and have previously served as a Senior Assistant District Attorney in Orange County and as an Assistant District Attorney in Green County.
As a Managing Attorney I oversee a staff of Eighteen Associates, including nine trial attorneys. Before becoming a Managing Attorney, I served as a Lead Trial Attorney in personal injury cases, including complex product liability actions and construction site accidents.
Education: Syracuse University College of Law, Juris Doctor; Washington State University, Bachelor of Science, Phi Beta Kappa
Robert Sassi
Position sought: Orange County Legislator, District 18
Party affiliation: Republican
Party lines appearing on the ballot: Republican, Conservative
Key endorsements: CSEA, Hudson Valley Building and Construction Trade Council, Orange County Corrections Officers PBA, Town of Crawford PBA, Orange County Federation of Republican Women
Why do you wish to serve? It has been an honor serving the residents of my district the past four years. We’re living in some challenging times that require steadfast leadership that will keep our residents safe through full funding and support of law enforcement; maintain a stable tax base as well as economic vitality to provide good jobs and future for our children; improve our recruitment of first responders, especially volunteer firefighters and ambulance corps and continue combatting the opioid epidemic through programs like “Hope Not Handcuffs.”
What qualifications do you have that are pertinent to the position you are seeking? Six years previous - Crawford Town Board; four years present Orange County Legislator; four years present chairman of the Human Services Committee; past chair and founder of the legislature’s opioid committee; member, board of directors of the Tri-County Community Partnership; past member Heritage Federal Credit Union; active member Wallkill East Rotary; retired educator, Valley Central, SUNY Orange.
What are a few of the most important issues presently facing the Town?
1. Shortage of First Responders
2. Lack of affordable housing
3. Ongoing opioid epidemic
4. Residential and industrial growth
5. Attacks on law enforcement
If elected, what steps would you take to solve these issues? We need to work with the State of New York to create incentives to attract First Responders. Our residents deserve prompt response to emergencies.
Housing prices have skyrocketed, pricing many hard-working residents out of the housing and residential markets. I would work with our state officials to tap into state and federal funds to build affordable housing - not free but affordable.
Orange County is slated to receive in excess of $7 million as part of the nationwide opioid settlement with the pharmaceutical companies. We need to do a better job of getting our residents to treatment. Dutchess County has a stabilization center, I would explore the same for Orange County.
We need to balance residential and industrial growth with our agricultural heritage. I would like to see a county-wide task force to provide input for smart and responsible growth.
If there isany additional information you wish to include, please write it here: I am a lifelong resident of Orange County. I am married and have two children who attend the Pine Bush School District. My mom is a resident of the town of Wallkill. I enjoy serving the public and look forward to meeting people throughout my various activities.