Chester candidate Cindy Smith

What is Chester all about at this present time?

As deputy supervisor and town board member, I think of land preservation, the Sugar Loaf Performing Arts Center, recreation, and Camp Monroe.

As the present recreation liaison, along with director Michelle Deshler, we have brought the recreation department to a new level. There are town-sponsored overnight trips and day trips open to all residents. I have followed procedure to add a hand railing to the exterior of the senior building and extra handicap parking.

Also going into 2020 is $5,000 for recreation equipment, and, with help of the town engineer, Al Fusco, and director Deshler, I have submitted a plan for an outdoor adult exercise park. This will be funded with a $150,000 grant.

With land preservation as a priority to me, I feel the Sugar Loaf Performing Arts Center and Knapp's View have been a plus for the community. I supported and pushed for the purchase of Knapp's View back in my early years on the town board. In two years Knapp's View will be paid off and forever open space for the residents of Chester.

All the town board members are supportive of SLPAC and bringing in theater shows, concerts, and events to operate successfully.

Camp Monroe is an old but now a new issue that the town board is facing. There are noise issues and zoning plans that have to be addressed. But like the Greens of Chester, the board is holding the developers to adhere to the zoning and planning board laws. Supervisor Robert Valentine and I met with the Greens developers and their attorney. At that time they stated if we don't give them what they want they will take us to court. Robert and I said, "Do what you feel you have to do, but the blueprints are what we are abiding to." To this day no houses are built.

As I look back there are many issues I have worked on: 24-hour police protection, implementing 24-hour animal control, upgrading ambulance services, the library committee, and any small problem. I'm the go-to board member.

I enjoy my job on the town board and think my involvement proves it. I am community-minded, and have lived and worked my whole life in Chester.

I have years of volunteer service for Little League as past-treasurer, St. Columba parish and its ladies auxiliary, helping the historical society, and as past-member of the Kiwanis Club.

My husband and children support me, and I am asking the voters of Chester to vote for me on Nov. 5.