Meet the candidates: Black Brook

BLACK BROOK — Black Brook has a full spate of candidates running this year. Here's where they stand on the issues. Scott Bombard, town supervisor Independent and Working Families Party Bombard is a lifelong resident of Au Sable Forks on both sides of Ausable River. He's served in several community organizations, including Plattsburgh College Foundation, Chamber of Commerce, AuSable Valley Central School board, the youth commission and more. If elected, Bombard would like to focus on improving the water systems in the town and looking into town growth. "I've always been a leader in the things that I've done and I've always been involved with the community," he said. "I believe I have the tools to do a good job as supervisor." Jon Douglass, town supervisor Democratic Party Douglass is a lifelong resident of the town and a 1986 AuSable Valley Central School graduate. He's been employed by the NYS Department of Corrections for over 26 years and has served as councilman of the town also for over 20 years. He plans to retire to dedicate himself to the town. If elected, Douglass would like to focus on fiscal responsibility, minimizing budget and tax increases, seeking grant funding for the town's aging infrastructure and taking the town to the 21st century with internet and web page accessibility. "I am running for this seat because I have a deep passion to assure to the best of my ability that we maintain the lowest tax rate possible," he said. "I will strive to make the township healthy for all its residents." Thomas Thwaits, town councilman Democratic Party Thwaits is a lifelong resident of Au Sable Forks. He graduated from AuSable Valley Central School in 1973 and went to work at the local quarry until 1980, when he entered the Department of Corrections. He worked there for 25 years until retirement in September 2005 and since then has been self-employed working locally at Tom's Small Home Repair. One big issue Thwaits would like to address if elected is money. He hopes to keep priorities in spending intact so that the burden doesn't fall on the taxpayers. "At this point in my life, I thought it would be a good time to slow down a little and get more involved with the town and its policies and procedures," he said. "Any support you can give me on election day would be greatly appreciated." Howard Aubin, town councilman Democratic Party Aubin started working for the town on the zoning board of appeals. Eventually, he served on the town board for 12 years — spending seven to eight years as a deputy supervisor. If reelected, he's interested in keeping the taxes in check and lowering them if possible. Also, he's interested in maintaining the services already provided to the town. "I like being on the town board," he said. "It gives me a chance to make a difference for the town." Javier Perez, town councilman Republican Party Perez is currently the principal at AuSable Valley Central School. He's been an administrator for over 10 years, worked in multiple schools and county offices, served on the Holy Name school board when it was open and coached sports. Perez would like to bring a new face, perspective and ideas to the town if elected. "I've certainly always had an interest in doing my civic duty and volunteering," he said. "I felt that this was a good opportunity for me to get involved and make a difference." Bob Haywood, highway superintendent (incumbent) Democratic Party Haywood went into the U.S. army for machinery 37 years ago and since has focused his life around the transportation industry. He's served as highway superintendent for the past 14 years and is running for reelection. Derrick Martineau, highway superintendent Republican Party Martineau has resided in Black Brook his entire life and worked for the town since 1993. He's currently chief of the Au Sable Forks Volunteer Ambulance Service and a code enforcement officer for the towns of Black Brook, Keene, Elizabethtown and Wilmington. "I've been wanting to run for a few years now and now it seems like the right time," he said. "It's time for a new voice and some new ideas." Tracy Bedard, town clerk Democratic Party "I am confident that I'm extremely qualified for this position," said Bedard, citing management experience. "I love to help others and plan on meeting the needs of my town with convenient hours for everyone." Bedard has two children and one granddaughter. Helen Kennedy, town clerk Republican Party Kennedy has previously held positions as the communication coordinator for the Essex County Visitors Bureau and an accountant for Westelcom in Plattsburgh, along with doing a lot of volunteer work in the community. Now, she works at Community Bank in Au Sable Forks and plans on leaving her position to offer flexible hours that's convenient for everyone. "I want to get more involved in the community," she said. Judy Hart, tax collector Democratic Party Hart currently works at the Au Sable Forks Health Center as a clinic clerk and previously worked as an election inspector. "Town politics has always peaked my interest," she said. "If elected, I promise to devote the time and energy needed to fulfill this position." Theresa Scapatici, tax collector Republican Party Scapatici could not be reached by this time.

Signup for our newsletter

Meet the candidates: Black Brook

COMPANY

CUSTOMER SUPPORT

SUBMISSION FORMS

BEYOND THE NEWS