WEST CHAZY — On election day, Beekmantown voters will be filling the final year of a supervisor term left open due to the resignation of former Town Supervisor Norm Davis.
Longtime Town Councilor Sharron Garden took the position on an interim basis when Davis stepped down earlier this year due to health concerns, but Sam Dyer and Brent Wyand will face off to take the helm for the rest of the unexpired term.
The Press-Republican asked the candidates two questions about their goals and plans if elected.
What do you see as the most pressing issue(s) in your town, and what would you do to help address it/them if elected?
DYER
Completing the town’s ongoing water district project was the top of the list for Dyer.
“We’ve got people that are asking for water that have a good well, that have a good pump, but they don’t want to babysit these things,” Dyer said. “They want town water, and I think, in this day and age, we should be able to do that for people.”
WYAND
Wyand said that the town’s zoning laws could use a look, something that could allow for greater growth and development, an issue he is familiar with due to his time on the Zoning Board.
“One of the most pressing issues I see currently in the town is complacency at the town board level and a lack of a plan for how to inspire growth in the town,” Wyand said. “From my time on the Zoning Board I have learned that zoning law plays a pivotal role in determining what and where things can occur in our town. By modernizing the zoning law it would allow the town to open up different areas to residential and business development while making it easier for individuals to find a place for their families and businesses to thrive in our town.”
The added residential and business growth in the town that changes could garner would help achieve fiscal health for the long term, he added.
What future goals do you think the town should aspire to, and what would you do to help address it/them?
DYER
Dyer said that continuing infrastructure work should be a big focus, including infrastructure involved in recreation, like a walking path, pickleball court and dog park.
“These are things that the City and Town of Plattsburgh have, and Beekmantown residents want,” Dyer said.
Also in the recreation vein, Dyer added that working with area partners like the local youth commission, the school, and some county leaders could assist in bringing about more recreation opportunities that could help keep and attract families to the town.
“I would like to see our parks and rec area thrive,” Dyer said.
WYAND
Wyand said a major future aim would be finding a way “to encourage families and businesses to join the community.”
“I believe through zoning reform and proper management the town can create an environment that will be sustainable for generations moving forward while preserving all the good things that make the North Country a great place to live,” Wyand said.