Chester candidate Robert Courtenay

The Town of Chester has been the home of my family for generations, and, for generations, we have been able to see our community grow, with the Town of Chester being the jewel of the Mid-Hudson Valley region. As your town vouncilman, I pledge my energy to making your concerns, my concerns:

Housing and economic development requires very thoughtful consideration as we move our town forward. Our housing development, as an example, must be reviewed thoughtfully, considering the important impact the infrastructure of our existing water and sewer will have on our growth. Further, we must never overcrowd our schools and plan any housing growth with adequate school seats for the next 10 to 15 years.

Open space in our community increases our quality of life. I fully support the PDR legislation (preservation of open space) in Albany. It is on the governor's desk to be signed. If we think smart, build an intelligent strategical town plan with vision, growth, and respect for the environment, well, there is no doubt Chester will be a premier location to live, work, and recreate.

I know we are all concerned about Legoland and the impact it will have on our community and particularly the Hudson Valley. I will diligently work with the Legoland developer and county officials to minimize any anticipated traffic congestion, to mitigate the traffic impact on our community, not on our streets. I will push as your councilman to be a liaison between the Town of Chester and Legoland to have a clear understanding and be pro-active instead of reactive about the traffic impact that it will have on our community.

My experience in business over the last 36 years, managing some of the largest supermarkets in the Hudson Valley Region, and my work in the community, will be translated into seeking grants from the federal, state, and county levels, create and move the Town of Chester into the future with all the magnificence it deserves. For example, I will be looking at ways to save taxpayers dollars. I will ask the NYS Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to evaluate our town’s electricity usage in all our public buildings and streetlights. Savings are possible -- our tax dollars must be used wisely.

My commitment to Chester is my commitment to you, who cherish a town where you can raise a family and educate your children in the best schools possible. If we plan today, we will have a better Town of Chester tomorrow.

I look forward to your vote of confidence, and your vote to be town councilman.