As two new Bethlehem town board members are scheduled to be sworn in this week, former Councilman Kyle Kotary said he will positively look back on his eight years of service with the town.
Kotary announced in March that he would not be seeking re-election to the town board and would be stepping down at the end of his term. Democrat Julie Sasso is scheduled to be sworn in on Wednesday, Jan. 8, as will incumbent Bill Reinhardt.
“Public service requires a lot of time, hard work and a strong commitment to your community, but it’s all worth it,” Kotary said. “Representing the residents of Bethlehem was truly an honor, a privilege and a rewarding experience.”
Kotary, who is director for internal affairs, outreach and marketing at New York Health Benefit Exchange, said the decision to step down was something he and his family came to about a year ago.
He said he originally ran for town board in large part because of his father, who had held office for a number of years in central New York. After moving to Bethlehem and taking some time to become more involved in the community, Kotary said, he felt comfortable making the decision to campaign for town board in 2004.
The former councilman said that although a lot of issues arose over the last eight years, he was proud of the many townwide enhancements that were put forth during his tenure, from the parks and pool to the athletic fields.
“We implemented the town’s first comprehensive plan, expanded open space, protected valuable resources, upgraded and replaced aging infrastructure, including our water, sewer and road systems,” he said.
Kotary said he was also happy the town was able to step in as part of a public/private partnership in order to save Colonial Acres and Normanside County Club, calling them “great examples of how a local community and local government can partner to preserve open space, recreational resources and local economic stimulation.”
Kotary said he has enjoyed his time working with four supervisors, eight different town board colleagues and hundreds of town employees.
Former Bethlehem Supervisor Jack Cunningham said the town was a better place for having Kotary as a town board member.
“Kyle was very conscientious about the function of town government and how it best served the community,” Cunningham said. “He kept me focused and was always very dedicated.”
Kotary said none of it could have been done without the devoted work of town staff.
“One of the best parts of the job was working with all of our dedicated town employees, our outstanding department heads, our elected officials, community leaders and exceptional volunteers,” he said. “Bethlehem is a special place in large part because of the special people.”
He said he was appreciative of the work done by the Human Resources Department during union negotiations and the staff’s attempt to put down in writing practices that had been in place for years but never made official. Kotary said he was also liked that the town worked hard to step into the 21st century by live streaming town board meetings, updating the website and the town’s growing use of social media as a tool to connect with residents.
Kotary said his hopes were high for Bethlehem’s future, and he feels he’s leaving the town in a good place.
“At the end of the day, I feel good about how the supervisor and the town board put past differences behind us to work together,” said Kotary.
Kotary and Supervisor John Clarkson ran against each other for the supervisor position in 2011. Kotary said the current town board was “truly one of the best” groups he’s ever worked with.
“We didn’t always agree, but we got though it all together,” he said. “You do battle, but then you lick your wounds and be professional. We’re all grown ups.”
Clarkson said he was appreciative of Kotary’s concerns about town spending and cutting costs and that he was always a supporter of town employees.
“I’ve no doubt that Kyle will continue to be very involved in community affairs, which is a good way to take advantage of his experience in town government,” he said.
Clarkson allowed Kotary to preside over his final town board meeting at the end of December. Kotary said he was very moved by the gesture, calling it “classy.”
Kotary commended Clarkson’s financial plans the past two years, and while he doesn’t regret the times he voted no and said the supervisor’s made some risky moves, everything turned out well.
But while the town’s fiscal house may be in order, Kotary said the real battle is beginning over open space and economic development.
“There needs to be a balance,” he said. “Collectively, I’d rather not build than have any decisions made that would be harmful to the community.”