Brenda Cagle will appear on the Democratic and Working Families ballot line in the November 8, 2011 election.
Red Hook has been my home for 35 years. My husband, Les, and I moved here while working for IBM and we raised our children, Seth (age 34) and Katy (age 31), here. In addition to working as a computer programmer with IBM for 11 years, I have worked with many local, regional, and state groups. I first began working in the community more than 25 years ago with the parent-teacher organization and the town recycling committee. Most recently I have served on town and village committees, led a regional Urban Forestry group, and serve on the executive board of a state council. I also work as an educator for Cornell Cooperative Extension on a grant-funded project. To me, Red Hook is a very special place, a place where many good things are happening.
What experience and/or training has prepared you to serve in the position you seek?
As mentioned above, I have worked with numerous committees and groups throughout Red Hook and beyond. As for board experience, I have been a board member (now executive board member) of the NYS Urban and Community Forestry Council for several years. As a member of the town’s Intermunicipal Task Force for 5 years, I worked on the award-winning zoning changes called the “Centers and Greenspaces Plan” that have cut potential sprawl by over 60% while protecting crucial farmland.
I have served as chairperson of the Conservation Advisory Council (CAC) for 5 years. Our committee wrote successful grant applications on behalf of the town for solar projects for town hall and the fire house and also for an energy consultant. The town was awarded about $300,000 for this work and will realize many thousands of dollars in energy savings as well. We work on resource protection and are leaders in the 10% Challenge initiative, advising the town board and conducting outreach.
Please share your thoughts on property taxes and any specific related changes or policies you support and will work to pass if elected.
I believe that the work the current Town Board has begun with shared services is a great start to getting the most bang for the taxpayer buck. If elected, I would support continued work in this area. I also support efforts to reform the way in which schools are funded and work to ensure that the Star program continues.
Would you have voted for the recent rezoning plan also known as Centers and Green Spaces plan and why or why not?
Yes, I would have voted for the Centers and Greenspaces Plan. I am a member of the Intermunicipal Task Force that worked on the plan. I saw how hard the members worked to create a plan that invests in the future of Red Hook, preserving and promoting agriculture and providing for smart growth in the town. Following this plan instead of the status quo will save taxpayer money and make our town more walkable, and a better place to establish businesses. The Plan puts in place zoning that helps preserve the community’s rural character, a goal that our residents have overwhelmingly supported.
What is your position on the new highway garage project?
The Town needs a new highway garage. Most people would not want their loved ones to work in the existing garage. Our current board and the Highway Superintendent have done a good job of designing a project that provides the necessities of a garage without the extras. They have also had the foresight to include provisions that will allow the sharing of services with the Village of Red Hook, something they discussed with village officials. This will save the taxpayers money by eliminating redundancy.
Choose one more important issue facing our town today and how you will handle it.
An important issue facing our town (and all towns) is that of economic development. There are many thriving businesses, but also several notable vacant spaces. The Economic Development Council is already working on a short promotional video about Red Hook. I will work with the Council and the Chamber of Commerce to make sure businesses are informed about economic incentives that are available. I will also encourage partnership with the newly formed Regional Economic Development Council so that Red Hook could benefit from a regional plan.
Why should voters pick you on election day?
For more than 25 years, I have lived and worked in our community. I will bring that experience, along with my energy and dedication, to the town board. In the course of this experience, I have worked both as a member and as a chairperson of many groups, writing successful grant applications, working with various partners, and completing successful projects. I look forward to continuing to serve our community and to representing the people of Red Hook on the town board.