Goshen candidate Richard D. Florio Jr.

I was born in Goshen, grew up in Chester, and I have spent my entire life living in Orange County. My family and I are extremely happy living in Goshen. It’s a great place to be, and we are here forever!

My father had an excavating company and later on a quarry. At a young age I worked for him, and that’s where I learned about good work ethics and principles. I currently work as a foreman for Tompkins Excavating, Inc., in Putnam Valley, N.Y. While on the job, I utilize the attributes I learned from my father. My team is confident that I will lead them in the right direction and complete each job on time, within budget, while maintaining high standards of quality and customer satisfaction. I will always apply my work ethic, knowledge, and experience to our town’s growing economy.

I have served as a volunteer fireman, was on the board of directors for Goshen Little League, was involved with the Goshen Recreation Soccer League, and I am currently on the Goshen Zoning Board. During my tenure as a Goshen Little League board member, one of my responsibilities was field preparation and maintenance. I have a strong passion for the fields because they are for our children. If given the opportunity, I would like to direct my passion to the Joint Recreation Committee.

The current town board has lowered our town taxes over the last several years. One of my initiatives would be to keep this trend going. For instance, we can do this by bringing more rateables to town as well as controlling town spending. My Republican values and commitment to being a community-minded councilman will help Goshen remain strong. I will always do what is best for our tax payers.

Here are my thoughts on some issues facing Goshen:

1. Our parks need to be rehabilitated and expanded. We can work on them by adding new dugouts, seating and bathrooms as well as remodeling the existing bathrooms. I will also work with the county in an effort to lease a piece of land located at the old jail to build soccer, lacrosse and baseball fields. Furthermore, we can expand the dog park by having sections for different size dogs. This will allow dog owners and dogs to feel comfortable socializing and playing.

2. Goshen is growing. We currently have many commercial properties presenting to the planning and zoning boards. We need to keep these boards strong and committed to choosing carefully which businesses will add the most value to Goshen. In addition, our environment is important to us and we need to ensure its protected, balance is key.

3. Goshen has become a travel destination. Our historic town attracts visitors for dining at places like Catherine’s, Craft 47, Delancey’s, Fetch, Kelly Jeans, Stage Coach Inn and more. These visitors assist in generating business continuity in our town. That’s why it’s important to keep attracting the right new businesses to result in more visitors spending in town.

I am someone who listens attentively to others to understand concerns. Raised in a strong Republican household, I apply those values to everything I do, and I am able to handle difficult situations to the end. My father was a councilman for the Town of Chester. He is my inspiration, and I would like to follow in his footsteps. I will always represent all of my supporters and do what is best for them and Goshen.