Lloyd Town supervisor Paul Hansut has spent 2016 fixing problems that were causing strife among town officials and residents, and he hopes to continue doing so into 2017. As with many elected leaders at the local level, Hansut’s top concern is figuring out how to pay for everything that’s needed without cutting anything that’s wanted by town residents. The supervisor provided his responses via e-mail, as scheduling a time to talk proved impossible.
“The major issues are always maintaining quality services for the taxpayers of the town and keeping taxes down,” Hansut wrote. “We have an aging infrastructure especially with the water and sewer department, which is always a concern, and needs a serious review over the next several years.” A large capital improvement project for the water treatment plant was approved this year, which should result in cleaner water that’s less costly to treat over the long haul. “We also corrected a water issue on Highland Avenue which had been a major concern for those residents for years. The town replaced water lines and mains so that the residents’ water concerns were addressed. This was accomplished without creating any new debt.” Those residents had endured rust in the water for some years because their old water main, unlike many made of iron, was not lined to guard against just that eventuality.
Even with all those cost pressures, town budgets still haven’t risen appreciably under Hansut. “I presented another town budget within the New York State property tax cap for the fifth straight year, which resulted in no cuts to staff or services to the town,” he wrote. “We settled two out of three employee contracts which were fair to our workforce, and the residents of the town.”
Another contentious issue was the nature of some of the housing projects which have been approved in recent years. “We took the concerns of the residents during the 2015 election cycle, reviewing and revising the local law regarding PRD (planned residential development) projects,” the supervisor explained. “We also changed the planning and zoning board meetings so that they are live-streamed and recorded.” Previously, only town council meetings were enshrined in that way.
It’s hasn’t just been residents frustrated with their representatives, however. There’s also been tension at the board table. During much of 2016, debates over updating the towing-list law have become heated. To that end, the supervisor wrote that “my other goal for 2017 is to bring back a better working relationship within the town board, which was greatly affected with a recent lengthy local law change. I truly believe it’s in the best interest of the town residents that their elected officials work together, leaving politics and personalities at the door.”
Residents should also expect the western expansion of the rail trail toward New Paltz to continue. In addition, Hansut hopes finally put out to bid the project to realign Tillson Avenue, which will also impact Vineyard Avenue and Toc Drive.
Finally, the supervisor is committed to continuing in that role should town residents want him to. “I do have every intention of seeking another term as supervisor. I believe that I have always had the best interest of all residents in mind when performing the duties of supervisor.”
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