Robert Valentine

Why are you running for supervisor?

I am running for supervisor to provide responsible, experienced leadership for Chester residents.

What are the top three things you plan to accomplish if elected?

The issues are fiscal responsibility, infrastructure improvements, and land conservation:

To accomplish fiscal responsibility through robust economic means like tourism, smart growth, business creation, and strong sales and mortgage tax revenue;

To improve infrastructure through long-range planning, completing projects with town equipment and employees when possible, and bonding over time to lessen the impacts on residents;

To conserve land by working closely with Orange County and the Orange County Land Trust, combining resources for optimum results, bolstering our planning process, and embracing cluster zoning with optimum return of open space. I will also continue to push for the PDR (purchase of development rights) until it is passed.

What makes you the best candidate for this position?

What sets me apart from my competitors is my experience. I have been your town supervisor for five years now. I have written and implemented four town budgets, all with surpluses, and built our town reserves to strong levels – all while staying under the tax cap and keeping taxes stable. I have successfully negotiated labor contracts, effectively defended the town in legal battles, and fully funded our police and highway departments, giving them the tools to keep us safe.

Feel free to add information about your background and qualifications.

My 35-year career as a home builder and excavating contractor with extensive knowledge of planning, zoning, water, sewer, and roadwork have prepared me to produce results for our residents. A few of my accomplishments: Sugarloaf Performing Arts Center purchased in 2019, negotiated transfer of Kings Highway in Sugar Loaf to the town, negotiated transfer of 20 acres of town property to Chester school district for athletic fields, and negotiated the purchase of ten acres from the Orange County Land Trust on Laroe Road for Chester’s own trailhead access park.

Chester cannot afford “earn while you learn” candidates like my competition. Vote for the most qualified candidate: Vote Valentine.