The Democratic Platform for building a better community:
1. Fiscal responsibility- We advocate careful and prudent analysis of proposed expenditures, resulting in controlled spending of our tax dollars by town officials, in order to avoid further escalation of our taxes. We pledge to bring to our town’s government greater fiscal responsibility and long term planning, conservative use of town resources, and sharing of services with other municipalities where feasible.
2. Open Government- We pledge transparency and accountability in conducting the town’s business. Public hearings and town meetings will be held in open formats with meaningful input from citizens, especially regarding budgetary issues. The input of citizens and business owners will be respectfully considered in all matters.
3. Quality of Life- We believe elected representatives must weigh and balance the interests of all town residents, considering the cost of what is proposed, along with the welfare of the town as a whole, and tempered by a strong desire to preserve Schodack’s quality of life.
Preserving our quality of life encompasses many aspects of town decision-making. This includes implementing an intelligent Comprehensive Master Plan, which has been adapted to our Zoning Code, and which incorporates the principles of Smart Growth, Green Building practices, Architectural Design Standards, as well as the expressed will of the people to preserve Schodack’s rural and historic character. We pledge to rigorously enforce town laws and zoning regulations, in an even-handed manner, that protect our natural resources while building our tax base through responsible commercial development.
Schodack Democratic Club Programs
Schodack Democrats have a number of programs that serve the community:
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Setting the record straight
_ The Schodack Democratic Committee
and Club support local businesses. During our campaign and throughout the year, we shop locally
wherever possible for Committee, Club or campaign needs. I personally shop as
close to home as I can, as do many other of our members.
We’ve held three fundraisers at the Brookview Station Winery at Goold Orchards; each event lovely and they took wonderful care of us. I recommend that venue for anyone contemplating such an event. We occasionally meet at Samson’s after meetings or campaign days. Curtis Printing, Curtis Lumber, Goomba’s Pizza, the Schodack Diner, various churches and Firehouse breakfasts, pizza and wing nights are among other local businesses or fundraising events we’ve patronized or gotten groups together to support. The Schodack Valley Firehouse Pizza and Wing night is a particular favorite, since they have a secret recipe for garlic parmesan chicken wings that makes the best wings I’ve ever tasted anywhere. We’re not in any way anti-business. We support economic development in town that’s in compliance with the laws and does not damage the quality of life for residents who’ve invested heavily in their homes and lives here. Our record shows this to be true. We support clean commercial development on the Route 9 corridor so long as it doesn’t destroy our most valuable asset for future growth: the Schodack Terrace Aquifer. It’s been demonstrated time and time again that there is a huge range of businesses that could easily locate on Rte 9 without polluting the aquifer or destroying the peace and enjoyment residents have in their homes. We’re a relatively new organization, re-formed in town, but highly cognizant of the roots of our community. We, as a new committee, arose in response to everyone’s frustrations surrounding Ray Lemka’s write-in campaign and near success running for Supervisor in 2007. We felt we had to do something to bring back a more democratic process here. We have had our bumps along the way in trying to give Schodack voters a choice. But we are here to stay, and our sole motivation is to serve our community well. Elizabeth Gable, Town of Schodack Democratic Chair |