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Lilburne Presents Position on Issues Facing Philipstown Voters
"We all know that Philipstown is unusual. A short trip north or south of here shows that: mega malls, new development sprawling all around, six lane highways jammed with traffic. Coming back to Philipstown is returning to a rural quietness surrounding livable villages.
"But the Philipstown we live in and love did not happen by accident. It has taken constant care, alertness to potential changes, and reasonable policies to preserve what is the essence of Philipstown in a world of constant change.
"It is to preserve this rural and village combination in the face of constant pressures to damage it that will be one of my goals while serving our community as a member of the Town Board.
"That will not be easy. It never has been. Board members must balance the needs of the whole community and its surroundings in an open and honest way while striving to keep Philipstown affordable for a diverse community.
"There is a long list the Town Board has already accomplished or supported, and as a citizen, I nodded my head in approval when I heard about them. They empowered the Philipstown 2020 Committee in the work on the Comprehensive Plan; assembled the Zoning Advisory Committee to revise the zoning code, a process which is now almost complete; the Steep Slopes law, the Wetlands law, the Timber Harvesting and Soil Mining laws, which provide the legal framework to limit inappropriate development. There are partnerships with conservation organizations such as Open Space Institute and the Hudson Highlands Land Trust, which have resulted in our town recreation park and the facility at Glyncliffe; the 9D corridor plan, and closing the landfill. These are all positive steps going in the right direction.
"We all want living in Philipstown to be affordable for a diverse community. We prosper from a mingling of young and not so young; from those who have lived Philipstown's memories and those who are just learning about them; from those whose income is secure and those who aim for that security.
"In short, a town with a variety of experiences from which each can learn from the other; a real community.
"The Town Board cannot control the market forces that endanger this community. But the Board can be vigilant and prudent to control local taxes while providing the services we need.
"We all have a stake in good government. So I will encourage you to come to Town meetings and workshops. True, we now have live TV reporting on the meetings, but it is even more important to actually be there when the various issues are under consideration and, if you feel inclined, express your opinion.
"Transparency in government is not a one way street. It happens when there is an open and friendly exchange of ideas between those elected and those who elected them. The more people who participate in that exchange of ideas, the better the decisions that are made.
"I have always been impressed at the high quality of services for our residents. The Recreation Department offers an amazing array of programs for children and adults, and even our very own Depot Theater. For seniors, the Town provides partial subsidy to a senior advisor, co-sponsored with the county. And the Town clean up days twice a year is always welcomed by residents.
"I feel the Town Board does a good job walking a careful path, balancing between the pressures to change and the pressures to remain the same. I will be happy to join them in this effort, whether I am elected or not."
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