MEREDITH - There is four-way race for two Meredith council member seats in November’s general election.
Christienne Dobson and Michael Morgenfruh appear on the Democratic line and “Farm and Family” Independent lines. William Outsen and Wayne Oliver are seeking the seats on the Republican line.
To provide voters with information about candidates, The Reporter asked the following questions and the candidates supplied the answers:
Q: Why are you running for the position?
WO: I am running for reelection to town council because I feel I have the skills necessary to effectively contribute to/and be part of a team that can guide Meredith through any/all challenges that are presented to us.
MM: Running for town council is a step I’ve taken out of love and concern for our community in the Catskill Mountains, where I’ve proudly lived for over 10 years, with the last five years being in this very town. Over this time, I’ve developed a deep attachment to our town and its unique character. One of my primary motivations for running is to protect our town from outside interests that may exploit our lax regulations/laws. Preserving our town’s identity and heritage, especially our farm community, is crucial to me. I’ve witnessed the beauty and significance of our farmlands and firmly believe in safeguarding them. I want to ensure that young farmers have the opportunity to access the land that might otherwise be threatened by projects like warehouses, solar farms or wind turbines if not done responsibly or efficiently.
CD: I am running for the position because of my deep passion for our rural community. As the mother of a two-year-old, I am personally invested in ensuring that Meredith remains a beautiful and thriving place to grow up. I am committed to addressing our community’s pressing issues, preserving our values, and improving the quality of life for all residents.
Q: What are your top three priorities as council member?
WO: 1. Be fiscally responsible to our taxpayers. 2. Provide our highway infrastructure management with the tools (equipment, resources and personnel) necessary to ensure the health and safety of residents throughout the year. 3. Produce annual town budgets that deliver services to all residents and keep any increases below annual New York state tax caps.
MM: Passion for the town’s wellbeing and heritage: Emphasizing my commitment to preserving Meredith’s rich history and unique character. Dedication to protecting and promoting the town’s heritage. Encouraging involvement in local historical preservation efforts, community events, and volunteer work.
Safeguarding regulations/laws and local interests: Dedication to ensuring that regulations/laws are effectively enforced and not exploited by outside interests. Balancing development and growth with the preservation of the town’s identity and character. Advocating for responsible development and protection of the community’s interests in the face of potential outside pressures.
Transparency, advocacy, and community involvement: Fostering transparency in local governance, making sure residents are informed and engaged in decisions that impact their lives and the community. Encouraging involvement of community members in important discussions related to zoning, development, and town initiatives.
CD: 1. Improving our infrastructure: My first priority is to enhance our roads and infrastructure. Accessing federal funds, securing partnerships, and promoting responsible financial management will be key to achieving this goal.
2. Supporting families and caregivers: The well-being of families and caregivers is a crucial concern. I aim to find innovative ways to provide them with the assistance and resources they need.
3. Preservation and sustainability: I am dedicated to preserving our rural beauty and rich history while fostering responsible land use, including regulations for solar and cannabis farms. Balancing economic opportunities with environmental preservation is vital to maintaining Meredith’s unique character.
Q: How do you propose to contain spiraling budgets and spending?
WO: Having been part of the building of our budget through several cycles you become aware of those items that are not under your control and mandatory and those you can control and discretionary. Balancing both those and continuing to provide the quality of services our residents expect will make it a challenge to our board. I intend to make sure we look at various alternatives to manage costs while maintaining quality services.
MM: Identify essential services that are critical to Meredith’s wellbeing, such as infrastructure maintenance and public safety. Regularly perform monitoring and accountability. Adjusting any fiscal framework as needed, and regularly reporting to the residents of Meredith for 100% total transparency to see if our community is getting the outcome it wants.
CD: I propose to contain spiraling budgets and spending through responsible financial management. We will diligently review the town budget, seek cost-saving opportunities, and allocate resources efficiently. By making informed decisions and engaging the community in the budgeting process, we will ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent wisely.
Q: Why should voters vote for you?
WO: My roles as current town council member and Meredith Dairy Fest co-chair have helped me realize how great it is to be part of this wonderful community. I have always had our town’s best interest in mind and I hope to continue to help our community through participation on the town council.
MM: At the age of 40, I am at a stage in my life where I’m dedicated to making a meaningful difference in our community. I believe in fostering both economic growth and preserving our valuable farmlands. Striking a balance between stimulating our local economy and maintaining the integrity of our town’s agricultural roots is a delicate task that I’m committed to undertaking.
I aim to bring a fresh perspective and proactive approach to the town council, advocating for policies that prioritize sustainable economic development while also upholding the heritage that defines our town. Together, we can build a future where our community thrives, and our farmland remains an essential part of our collective identity.
CD: Voters should choose me because of my dedication and unique qualifications. As the board president of a residential building and with a background in architectural design and construction, I have managed multiple projects across various industries, successfully opening retail, education, and healthcare facilities on time and on budget, even in the face of challenging issues. I’ve worked closely with a wide range of stakeholders, clients, and leaders, bringing complex projects to fruition. With this experience, I offer a collaborative and inclusive approach, drawing inspiration from successful strategies in other communities to drive positive change in Meredith. With a focus on responsible financial management and a passion for preserving our rural values; hard work, community, and family, I will work to build a brighter future for our shared community.
Two Meredith town council seats are up for election in the Nov. 7 general election. Early voting begins Oct. 28.
* Wayne Oliver did not respond to repeated requests to answer questions.
