The River Reporter, March 14, 1996

Monticello candidates speak -- election is March 19

[Editor's note: The River Reporter on March 6 sent an invitation to mayoral and trustee candidates in the Village of Monticello asking them to submit brief descriptions of their positions. Following are the statements received.]

FOR MAYOR

Robert Friedland
Democratic and Equal Justice party candidate for Mayor

We, like many other communities, are going through a most difficult period. However, economic indicators suggest it is now necessary to prepare for growth so when the opportunity presents itself we will be in a better position to attract industry to our village. I have, during my term in office, made sure our infrastructure did not deteriorate and our codes, planning and master plan moved forward to meet this anticipated growth.

I will continue to cooperate with the Sullivan County Partnership to bring economic development and jobs to our village. I support casino gaming for Sullivan County and am a member of the Casino Advisory Board. I participated with state and local officials to save 1000 jobs at Monticello Raceway. I helped obtain more than $1 million in grants, worked to establish a revolving loan fund to assist local businesses and was instrumental in bringing about free parking to encourage village shopping.

When I first took over as Mayor, I was confronted with a financial deficit. I made this my first priority and was successful in turning around the financial status so that we now have a budget which is fiscally responsible and shows a surplus.

With your support on election day I can continue these and other programs.

James F. Kenney
Republican and Tax Saver party candidate for Mayor

When people have asked me why I am running for mayor of Monticello, my answer to them is because I can no longer stand by and watch the continual decline of our once proud village. The people in this community deserve more from their elected representatives than scandal after scandal, lawsuit after lawsuit.

As I see it the basic concerns that need to be addressed are:

1. Broadway renewal and revitalization
2. Neighborhood assessment and beautification

3. Commercial development and needs of existing and new businesses

We can and must make our community as attractive as we can for the relocation of businesses and/or government services, as well as a great (and safe) place to raise a family. This requires a strong partnership between private and public sectors -- one born of pride and commitment. We have so many talented people who want to help but don't know how due to lack of leadership.

4. Youth recreation and work programs

5. Consolidation of services between the Village and the Town

6. Better harmony between ethnic and social groups

Monticello is rich in its multicultural diversity. We need a mayor who is sensitive to and cares about all people regardless of race, religion and politics.

7. Open and honest government

The village should be run with true integrity; trust must be restored.

What has happened in the past in Monticello is the past. What we need to hear is the good news about Monticello. Our village is a great place to live. We can turn Monticello around if we have the desire and the will. Help me create this better tomorrow for our village.

FOR TRUSTEE
(two seats open)

John Barbarite
Democratic and Equal Justice party candidate for Village Trustee

I am seeking office because I have the qualifications and experience necessary to do the job. I gained this experience over the past eight years as a concerned member of the community who attended hundreds of public meetings dealing with village issues. This background enables me to propose solutions to many of the problems facing the village.

I am ready to start proposing solutions for making our village a better place to live, proposals that concern our youth and seniors, proposals that address zoning and planing and therefore will create growth and development, in other words the creation and retention of jobs.

As a Town of Thompson Supervisor, I spent over 4,500 working hours in government. I know what can be done, and just as importantly, what government may not do. I am ready, willing, and able to assume the grave responsibilities of office. When elected I won't need to spend the first year or two trying to learn the duties and responsibilities of the job. Monticello can ill afford to waste this much time in turning things around. If you want to get things moving in the right direction, and want to do it now, please give me your vote on election day.

Monis Brafman
Republican and Tax Saver party candidate for Village Trustee

A resident of Monticello since 1949, my wife, Sylvia, and I have six children who all attended Monticello schools.

I'd like to see a friendly and honest government that people can believe and participate in and be comfortable with, to make us all feel proud that we're from Monticello. I advocate incentives for businesses that are here already, and incentives for businesses to relocate here. We've got to get something going for young people in a positive way, and also upgrade the quality of housing.

Alvin Dumas
Democratic and Equal Justice party candidate for Village Trustee

I was born and raised in Monticello. My wife, Mary, and I have a son and two daughters. I graduated from Monticello High School in 1983 and from Sullivan County Community College in 1987. I have worked as a truck driver for Budoff Furniture, as a substitute teacher in Monticello schools, and as a sheriff's deputy. As a volunteer, I have driven senior citizens to doctors' appointments. I maintain membership with the NYS Sheriff's Association, NYS Police Benevolent Association, National Sheriff's Association.

The issues I see as a resident are the youth. I think the youth need a push to give them an incentive to stay here after high school. I've seen them leaving in droves. That's got to change. We've got to keep the young people -- the seniors can't do it all.

The youth and the middle-aged and all the community can have a grasp at helping the community. Everybody can pull together what they have, instead of this individualism that's been persisted here.

Please vote for me on March 19.

David Rosenberg
Republican and Tax Saver candidate for Village Trustee

The Republicans approached me to run because we haven't seen much leadership from the Democrats, and I don't think the current mayor warrants another term. Being a professional architect, I deal with trying to envision a better future. Having worked as long as I have (as a garbage man for 7 years to earn money for college), I know how tough it is to pay your taxes.

I've never been a `no comment' kind of person. People knew where I've stood. I think there's a sense of integrity not to play politics. There's a difference between being elected and doing a good job once you're in office. Sometimes people will say things people want to hear just to be elected.

Above text is copyright by the author.
Duplication without permission is prohibited.