The meeting was held at the Town Hall and was attended by an overflow crowd of residents. I was given permission by the League of Women Voters to record the meeting, take notes and publish the minutes. Olive Alexander

The first part of the meeting was General Housekeeping Information and an explanation of how the meeting would be conducted. We were told that selected questions, for the Supervisor Candidates, would be asked of both candidates and first response given alternately between the two. The order was determined, initially by drawing straws. (This general rule was not followed as you will see later in the minutes.)Sally Sears-Mack provided background information on the League of Women Voters (membership includes quite a few men today). The League is nonpartisan and does not support individual candidates. They do, however, after careful research, support legislation. They encouraged us to access vote411.org where we can find all things election.

Introduction by the Candidates themselves:

Ed Gardner: Most know me from the Transfer Site, but there is more to me than that. Have lived here for 64 years and my family/parents since the dirt was here. I was on the Town Board for 12 years in the 1980s and early nineties with three different supervisors. Been Elks Exalted Ruler (Keesville) last year and State VP Elks. Owned my own business for 12 years (Heavy Equipment Repair). No longer operates this business. My family is my lovely wife Pat and four grown daughters. I learn a lot about what goes on in the Town from people while working at the transfer station. Some of this goes over my head but other important comments I take seriously.

Sharon Boisen: I’ve been Supervisor for four years. I have implemented policy and procedures that have safeguarded your tax dollars. I have supported residents with health care, insurance, housing and employment issues, and worked with the Town Board to complete the Waste Water Treatment Project on time and below budget. I’m seeking your votes for reelection

Question 1: Every job has certain aspects that are more challenging than others. What do you see as the most challenging aspect of your job in the next two years? (For both candidates) Sharon will respond first and then Ed.

Sharon Boisen: The implementation and management of the Water Project for the Hamlet and the finance issues associated with securing the funding and accurately tracking the expenses. Also obtaining the funding to provide Fire District 2 a building to secure their equipment and ensure the members’ safety, so they can continue to keep our community safe.

Ed Gardner: The water project for the Hamlet. The new state regulations are elaborate. Would like to explore sharing water provision with the Town of Willsboro, their water lines are close to Essex. Would like to look North to the Town of Willsboro to share more services. I believe it will reduce taxes and will help residents and promote our young farmers.

Question 2: Do you believe the Town should have a hired Professional Tax Assessor or three elected Tax Assessors? (For both Candidates)

Ed Gardner: Three elected Assessors. They are becoming better educated and talk to the residents. I believe they are doing a good job. Of course, my wife is one of the three Assessors.

Sharon Boisen: I believe this is for the Public to decide. I will support whatever the majority of the public decides at the Polls.

Question 3: If you were to apply for this position what would you list as your qualifications considering you will manage a $1Million budget (For both Candidates)

Sharon Boisen: I have 13 years of Banking Experience, 10 years as a Sole Proprietor of a local, Essex, business and 4 years’ experience as Supervisor.

Ed Gardner: As Exalted Ruler I managed quite a large budget (perhaps as large as the Town), I ran my own business for 12 years, and worked with three supervisors (Jim Morse, Wally Hill, (third name not clear)). I work with people around me to get things done.

Question 4: Are there three things that you would prioritize to incentivize young professionals to move to Essex and start businesses here? (For both Candidates)

Ed Gardner: We are a friendly community. You can walk into the Town Office and get information or help to start a small business. We have a good Tax Base, Schools, close to Plattsburgh State. For entertainment you can go to Montreal. We have everything here, Lake Placid, everything young people like.

Sharon Boisen: Could you repeat the question, the first part, please.

SallySears-Mack: Are there three things you would prioritize to incentivize young professionals to move to Essex and start businesses here?

Sharon Boisen: Local Government support, I fully support local businesses. They can raise their families here without having to go too far for services. Tourism is increasing here and we have boating, hiking, bicycling, kayaking and snowboarding. They can enjoy their lifestyle while managing their business. The close proximity to health care. Burlington, Plattsburgh and Elizabethtown who have joined together to provide us excellent health Care.

Question 5. Does Essex have an approved Comprehensive Plan and if not, why not? (For both Candidates)

Sharon Boisen: Yes, Essex has an approved Comprehensive Plan but it is 10 years old and is due to be updated. We have contacted the County Planning Board for help to obtain the Grants necessary to update the plan. Yes, we have a Comprehensive Plan and it will be updated as soon as possible.

Did not ask this question of Ed Gardner – determined it had been answered.

Question 6. Why do you want to be Supervisor (For Ed Gardner)

Ed Gardner: I see problems in the Town and I’m the one with the good Leadership to solve the problems. I work well with people and I care about the Town.

Question 7. How important is the finding and management of Grants in the role of supervisor? (For both Candidates)

Ed Gardner: Finding grants is one of the most important roles of the Supervisor. You need to find good people to write the Grants for you and go after the right ones. Need the right people since there is always a little hitch (several words not clear) especially with the state. When they come back you have to provide half of the money and can’t always do that. Have to go after the right ones.

Sharon Boisen: Important we do so, there are countless grants that come in every day. We communicate people’s needs and requests with the County Planning Department and the County Planning Department puts available grants and people together and supports us with the preparation.

Question 8. What are today’s Town issues and your view of each? (For both Candidates)

Sharon Boisen: Water for the Hamlet Water District. We, the Town Board and I, are seeking the most affordable project, this is shared expense for a small district with few users. For the Town, I would like to see more new businesses. We have the Hamlet of Whallonsburgh with the Grange Hall that is absolutely booming. As Chairman of the Long Range Strategic Plan Committee I am working to focus a plan for the entire Hamlet of Whallonsburgh.

Ed Gardner: Most important is new water for the Village. In my view I would like to look north to Willsboro. There is only 1.7 miles between water lines and if elected would like to see if we could use their water. Don’t know if they would be willing or what it would cost.

Question 9: Of what in your life are you most proud? (For Ed Gardner)

I’m most proud of my family, my 4 daughters have done well. We work together as a unit and that is most gratifying. I am proud of them.

Question 10. In your two terms in office is there any matter you would like back again to address differently? (For Sharon Boisen)

I’m sure there is something that could be handled differently, after what I’ve learned in the four year period. I’ve done the best I could, learned from them, and, honestly, don’t want any of them back again.

Question 11. What can you bring to the Town that the other Candidate cannot? (For both Candidates)

Sharon Boisen: I’m not that knowledgeable of the experience of the other candidate, other than what I have heard tonight. I believe my financial background in Banking, as a Business Owner, Financial Services at Fletcher Allen Hospital and as Chief Financial Officer for the Town I believe that is a priority for the Tax Payers.

Ed Gardner: My chief asset is my ability to get people to work for me. Asking them what they need so they can get their job done themselves. Always had the unique ability to get along with people and helping people to get the job done. Taking the time to study things out. It has always worked well for me and will for the Town.

Now it is your opportunity to ask your opponent a question, Sharon you go first:

Sharon Boisen: Ed, you served on the Town Board from 1983 to 1994. During that time the OSC conducted audit in 1990 and 1994. Findings from 1990 were repeated on the 1994 audit. Can you explain why these were not fixed?

Ed Gardner: I don’t know. That would have been up to the Supervisor – was honest as the day long. Must have been some glitch – I don’t know.

Ed Gardner: Sharon, Proposition 5 is important to the County. You did vote for this at the County. But, you have not made a public statement in favor. This has an impact on our community through jobs and our school tax base. (Correction to this response provided by Pat Gardner on Oct.30. Thank you for your review)

Sharon Boisen: You are correct, I have not signed a letter to the residents of Essex. I have been more focused on our local issues.

SallySears- Mack: Now is the time for your closing statements:

Sharon Boisen: It is most important you remember that your vote represents the future of the Town. Thank you for your support on November 5.

Ed Gardner: Would like your support, I think I am the best candidate, leadership. Remember to vote yes for Proposition 5, important for the County Towns, School District and workers. It’s a win/win. Vote on November 5 and be sure to turn your ballot over to read it.