Four candidates seek two seats on Chester Town Council

Giuseppe Cassara

Why are you running for Town Council?

I decided to run for Town council because I dislike the direction the Town is moving in. There are decisions being made that are not in the best interest of the residents and many things are being neglected that affect our everyday quality of life.

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

Reduce Taxes, Upgrade Infrastructure, and Improve/rebuild Parks

If elected, I will put Chester residence first and serve the public to the best of my ability. A fresh voice committed to transparency, community driven growth , and real solutions for all residents. I will manage the town’s budget the proper way, focus on our infrastructure, Parks and Recreation programs, build relationships with county and state leaders, have viable plans to preserve open space, be fiscally, responsible, and bring integrity back to our town hall.

Why are you the best candidate for this position?

I have a bachelor degree in Architecture. I practice civil engineering, volunteer firefighter at the Sugar Loaf Engine Co., serve on the Chester Planning Board and former ZBA member, and Parks Advisory Board. I have 20 years in civil service of progressively increasing responsibility directing and managing engineering design, construction infrastructure programs and projects. I have excellent written and verbal communication skills, presenting, and facilitating meetings. Skilled in many aspects of construction supervision, inspection, and project management. Confident, assertive, and practical approach to projects, tasks for efficiency, timely problem solving and program delivery.

I currently supervise contractors under the multi-million dollar Highway Improvement Contract. During my time in NYC DEP, I managed the design, construction of major processes, and odor control improvements for Newtown Creek Water Pollution Control Plant. In the Town of Brookhaven, I was the field engineer inspecting work in compliance to Town codes and regulations.

David Collins

Why are you running for Town Council?

As a proud Chester resident for the past 10 years, I’m running because I care deeply about the future of our town. For over 25 years, I’ve dedicated my career in higher education to expanding college access and empowering underrepresented students because I believe success should be within reach for everyone.

Here in Chester, I serve as Chairman of the Ethics Board, where I’ve worked to bring strategic vision, transparency, and integrity to local government. I want to bring that same commitment to the Town Council. To ensure smart decisions, and a focus on a strong, connected community.

As a husband, father of three, and long-time community organizer, I understand the importance of preserving what makes Chester special while planning for our future. A future Chester that my kids would be happy to call home. I’m running to help make sure our town continues to thrive for all of us.

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

1. Strengthening Community and Neighborhood Connections (Building stronger neighborhood ties and fostering local engagement)

2. Protecting Our Environment and Enhancing Public Spaces (Preserving open space, natural resources, and improving parks and playgrounds)

3. Investing Responsibly in Infrastructure and Fiscal Stewardship (Responsible budgeting and upgrading vital infrastructure like roads, sewers, and water systems)

Why are you the best candidate for this position?

Chester deserves transparent, effective leadership that truly listens and that’s what I’m here to provide. I’m not a career politician. I’m a committed Chester resident with a deep love for this community and a strong record of public service.

With my time spent in higher education, I’ve built a career around equity, access, and advocacy. Values I intend to bring to every decision on the Town Council. As Chairman of Chester’s Ethics Board, I’ve worked to uphold integrity and accountability in local government. I’m focused, proven, and ready to serve. My only agenda is what’s best for Chester.

Robert Courtenay

Why are you running for Town Council?

Our community needs mature, responsible, and forward thinking leadership on the Town Board. My record includes acquiring a 24/7 ambulance service, passing tax exemptions for seniors/first responders, gaining $1.2 million in grant funding, installing new Chester Commons field lights, and cutting hundreds of thousands of dollars in wasteful spending.

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

1. Affordability. I’ve worked with the Town Board to cut over $200,000 in unnecessary spending. I’m also targeting grant funding to pay for infrastructure and park upgrades so we don’t need to tax for those items. It’s hard enough living in N.Y. Every dollar counts and I’m committed to doing everything I can to keep your pocket full.

2. Infrastructure. I was proud to help secure a $400,000 grant to create sidewalks in Sugar Loaf, fund $350,000 in sewer improvements for Surrey Meadows, upgrade our water dist., and properly. fund our Highway Dept. We have also been awarded $300,000 in grant funds for Carpenter Community Park to pay for renovated bathrooms and new walkways.

3. Open space preservation. The character of our town is suburban/rural, and I would like to see it stay that way. Unfortunately, we have not been in the best financial position to spend on acquiring land but I’m working to put us in a position to do this in the future. I’ve advocated for the signing of our open space bill in Albany. Finally, I have worked on our Comprehensive Plan to tighten up our building, planning, and zoning codes to maintain Chester’s character and quality of life.

Why are you the best candidate for this position?

I’m the only experienced Town Council candidate on the ballot and I’m not beholden to any drama-ridden political agenda. I can have disagreements but still work with everyone at the end of the day. My opponent’s lack of experience, non-existent campaign platform, and their political committee’s reliance on slander makes it clear they have no real plan to help our residents. They talk about lowering your taxes but offer no actual ways to accomplish that. We need a town board that’s experienced and responsible. Please vote for Linda Zappala, David Collins, and Bob Courtenay to continue the progress we’ve been making in Chester.

Christine Maurer

Why are you running for Town Council?

I’m running for the town board to reverse Chester’s crippling 17% tax hike and stop wasteful spending that burdens our residents. For over a decade, I’ve attended nearly every town board meeting, witnessing decisions that defy reason: $20,000 raises for new hires, an overstaffed town hall, and an ambulance contract costing far more than neighboring towns pay. I’m also driven to change the culture of public hearings, which are often treated as mere legal formalities. I’ll ensure the board truly listens to residents’ voices, valuing your input to shape a stronger, more responsive Chester. Vote for me to deliver fiscal discipline and leadership that puts you first!

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

1. Skyrocketing Taxes: The 17% tax hike, with another looming, is squeezing families and seniors. I’ll cut frivolous spending, eliminating excessive raises, streamlining staff, and renegotiating overpriced contracts like the ambulance service to match better deals in nearby towns, lowering taxes for all.

2. Costly Legal Disputes: Elected officials’ conflicts cost taxpayers a $25,000 deductible, soaring legal fees, and rising insurance premiums. I’ll promote accountability and collaboration to resolve disputes early, saving our town from these unnecessary expenses.

3. Toxic Politics and Dismissed Voices: Chester’s divisive politics and perfunctory public hearings disrespect voters. I’ll foster civility, focus on solutions, and transform hearings into genuine opportunities for residents to be heard, ensuring your concerns drive our decisions.

Why are you the best candidate for this position?

My 26 years as an award-winning CNBC journalist give me unmatched expertise in financial reporting, empowering me to champion fiscal responsibility and advocate fiercely for Chester’s taxpayers. I’ve received the endorsements from the Chester Republican Committee, the Conservative Party of Chester, and the American Latino Coalition, earning wide trust in my vision for a thriving Chester. I hold a Bachelor’s in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Florida. I also hold a fifth-degree black belt, with three international medals and more than 100 other titles. Like my passion for restoring my classic Mustang, I’m driven to steer Chester toward lower taxes, smarter spending, and a government that truly listens to its people. Vote for me to bring experienced, principled leadership that values your voice and builds a stronger community!