Joann Dawson, an Independence Party member, replaces Tim Gordon as the newest member of the Bethlehem Town Board. Her appointment was unanimous at the town’s Wednesday, Jan. 10, organizational meeting.
I am honored by Terri (Supervisor Theresa Egan) and the board’s decision, said Dawson.
`People are looking for leadership, and I am here to provide that,` said Dawson, who was endorsed by both the town of Bethlehem Democratic and Independence committees for the post.
Board member Kyle Kotary made the motion to nominate Dawson, which Dan Plummer seconded.
`She has the right temperament and will be an excellent addition to this board,` said Plummer.
Kotary said he made up his mind that Dawson was right for the job after interviewing all the candidates.
`Joann is somebody who has been involved in the community, has attended board meetings for years and has made herself available to serve in several capacities,` said Kotary.
Dawson has an undergraduate degree from SUNY Binghamton in nursing and earned a graduate degree in public service/health administration from Russell Sage College.
Egan thanked the 10 candidates who applied for the position and said Dawson’s vision for the town is consistent with the board’s.
`This person has made it clear she is in favor of continuing our government reform efforts,` Egan said.
Dawson’s appointment became necessary when Gordon won the State Assembly seat in the 108th District in the November election. Gordon’s last day as a member of the board was Dec. 31.
Dawson’s appointment is good for the remainder of the year. The seat will be up for election in November.
Dawson said she is ready to learn the issues and hear the public’s concerns.
`I plan on running in November, and hope to earn the voters’ support in the fall,` Dawson said.
Dawson’s husband, Charles Dawson Jr. is a Democratic member of the county Legislature. He and fellow legislator Jack Cunningham, D-Delmar, attended Joann Dawson’s swearing-in ceremony after the meeting.
`I am very happy for Joann,` said Charles Dawson Jr. `The town board will be fortunate to have her service.`
Despite busy political schedules, Charles Dawson said politics is not likely to be the topic of discussion at the dinner table.
`We will most likely be at our own meetings most nights of the week,` he said.
Other appointments made at the meeting included naming John Smolinsky as Brian Collier’s replacement on the town planning board. James Potter was re-appointed as town attorney at a salary of $49,746. Also re-appointed were Comptroller Judith Kehoe; Public Works Commissioner Oliver Holmes; Economic Development Director George Leveille and Deputy Director of Economic Development Mike Morelli. Raymond Houghton was reappointed as town historian, Michael Hodom will continue as chairman of the zoning board of appeals, and Parker Mathusa will keep his chairmanship of the planning board for 2007. Michael Hennessey was appointed as a new member to the zoning board.
The Spotlight was designated the official newspaper of the town, and regular town meetings will continue to be held on the second and fourth Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. at town hall.“
