After two successful terms as Essex Town Supervisor Sharon Boisen will be succeeded by Ed Gardner, Jr.

When polls closed last night Gardner had received 145 votes and Boisen had received 114 with only eleven absentee ballots still outstanding.

Gardner said that he is looking forward to getting to work on his goals, including meeting with fellow freshman Supervisor Shaun Gilliland on the potential of shared services.

“I want to start talking with Willsboro about the water issue and how we can work together,” Gardner said. (Denpubs.com)

Gardner considers his longstanding community ties a critical factor for his victory and believes that Essex residents voted for a change in town operations.

“I think people wanted a new style of management.” (Denpubs.com)

In a Valley News article last week Gardner described his experience that will benefit Essex residents.

My knowledge having worked with past supervisors and sharing their ideas about the water issues and working on the budget. My heavy equipment experience and working as a mechanic will help me work with the highway superintendent. (Denpubs.com)

Focusing on the future, Gardner identified debt as the biggest issue facing Essex.

The different paybacks on loans from different districts like sewer into the general fund. We need to look for unique ways to find that aid and get it off of our backs. (Denpubs.com)

Asked how he would continue to “provide quality services while staying within the state tax levy cap” Gardner explained: “What we need to do is look at what is really needed and what is necessary. When you look at those areas, then you can stay under that base.” (Denpubs.com)

With the election behind and less than two months remaining before the January 1 handover, both Boisen and Gardner have their work cut out for them. For now it’s time to congratulate the new Town Supervisor and thank the outgoing Town Supervisor. Congratulations, Ed Gardner! Thank you, Sharon Boisen! We wish you both well.

“It was a good race,” Gardner said. “I’m glad a lot of voters came out and took interest in this race.” (Press-Republican)

And last but not least, thanks are due to every Essex resident who voted, and to the generous volunteers to who logged a looong day at the polls. Thank you.

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