Adam Greenberg
Democrat
Occupation: Self-employed, farmer
Question: Why are you running for town board?
Answer: I love the Town of New Scotland, and as a lifelong resident raising three children here, I care deeply about its future. I believe when you care deeply about something, you should work to protect it and its future. By serving on the Town Board, I hope to do this.
Q: How will your experience serve you on the town board?
A: For the past 14 years I have served on the Zoning Board, the last four as chairman. As a professional I have operated a family farm, managed commercial space, and developed residential properties. This varied experience will help me tackle all the issues the Town Board faces: zoning and planning, water and sewer extensions, road construction and building maintenance, and of course, budgets. I have had experience with all of these, from different sides of the issues. Most important, my work on the zoning board has taught me to listen to my fellow townspeople and give voice to their concerns.
Q: What do you think are the biggest challenges facing the town?
A: New Scotland has the lowest town taxes in Albany County when trash collection is taken into account. Keeping them that way while providing residents the services they deserve is one of my main goals. Doubtless all the candidates feel this way. What differentiates us are our views on planning and zoning and what we see as the character of the town in the future. I want to maintain its rural nature while guiding responsible development. For these reasons, I was opposed to “big box” development and worked to put in place the size cap we now have. For the last few months, I have worked with a committee to modernize our town’s commercial district zoning to attract commercial properties that are in line with sustainable, responsible growth. In short, finances and planning for future growth are the town’s biggest challenges.
Q: What are your ideas for addressing these challenges?
A: I believe we must face these challenges with a holistic approach. Budget issues and planning issues go hand in hand. If we have responsible development that doesn’t stress our roads or water or sewer lines or other town resources, but instead broadens the shared base we support them with, we win on two counts. But this means we must have strong zoning and planning codes in place that balance the protection of the town’s future with property owners’ rights. The Town Board must also strive to improve New Scotland’s infrastructure. We just completed a water extension in New Salem, but other areas are still desperate for public water. We must also continue to make all town buildings and properties energy efficient, negotiate with utility companies for town-wide high speed internet service, and apply for any available grants that further these goals.
