Although Ken DeCerce is stepping down as Halfmoon Town supervisor on Feb. 28, he said he’s not stepping out of politics. DeCerce, who has overseen one of the fastest-growing towns in the state, said that he’s taking a new position, though he wouldn’t say what it is.
I’m looking forward to new challenges, said DeCerce. `I still remain committed to the Republican committee.`
DeCerce, a 63-year-old retired educator, said that he never imagined being in politics and that he was surprised to win as town supervisor in 2000 after the Republican committee declined to endorse incumbent Larry Devoe. DeCerce ran uncontested in 2001, 2003 and 2005.
DeCerce has been credited with seeing the town through significant growth and major projects, including a $10.3 million water treatment plant in 2003, plans for a new town hall, and a town Web site.
`We needed water badly. The water treatment plant was one of the first things discussed with Clough Harbour years before,` DeCerce said.
He also said that people in the town wanted a new town hall and felt that it was his responsibility to use 5.5 acres of land that the town purchased a few years ago.
Those who have worked with DeCerce said that he has been a collaborative leader. Clifton Park Supervisor Phil Barrett said that he and DeCerce worked together to secure a $1.68 million federal grant to upgrade the Erie Canal towpath, which would connect bike-pedestrian trails between the two towns. Both towns also negotiated sharing a deputy sheriff and car.
Additionally, Halfmoon resident, Matthew Shea, said that DeCerce was supportive in the development of a town trails committee.
`He’s been a great communicator,` Shea said. `If you had to see him about town problems, he was very available.`
As DeCerce reflected on his years in office, he said that dealing with budgets has been most challenging.
`We had to change 16 districts into three zones,` he said. `The challenge has been to make costs uniform and fair.`
Beyond managing town activities and presiding over numerous planning board meetings, DeCerce said that the chair comes with around-the-clock responsibilities and numerous requests from town residents. He recalled receiving e-mail from a family that had lost their home in a fire and taking time to refer them to the town’s After the Fire program.
`People call me for things that are practical and impractical, and it is my responsibility to help out as much as I can,` DeCerce said.
While he has supported progress, DeCerce, who grew up on a farm in Halfmoon, said that it has been frustrating to watch farm life in the area dwindle and that he has used his awareness to manage town growth. In 2003, the town added provisions to its zoning law that encouraged developers to keep parcels open and farm structures intact.
`Many people around here studied agriculture, and it’s frustrating to see agrarian life wane,` DeCerce said. `It tears at your heart. The art is to manage the growth path and we have been able to manage commercial and residential growth.`
DeCerce said that the town’s Republican committee will meet this month to choose his replacement. He said that he hopes to see someone with fresh ideas take the chair.
`I think we need younger blood,` DeCerce said.
DeCerce also said that the town needs a controller to help manage bookkeeping for 16 water districts.
DeCerce said that he also expects to spend more time with his wife, Rachel, and three grandchildren who live in the area.
`I’m also looking forward to more sleep,` he added.“
