Craig Shufelt
Republican
Occupation: Self-empoyed
Question: Why are you running for town board?
Answer: To create a balance, a voice for the people that makes sense for the future of New Scotland. It’s always best to hear all viewpoints when considering future goals of the town and taxpayers needs, isn’t it? I love this town and I live my motto, “It’s about you.”
Q: How will your experience serve you on the town board?
A: I have a very wide range of experience gained from my personal life, my clients, operating a few small businesses and contributing my time and efforts voluntarily to local community boards. All of this allows me to remain neutral and listen to all aspects and facts of the topic at hand. Whether working for corporate America in the financial field or years of volunteering from the lowest to highest levels, I am able to have a positive impact on each organization with which I work, doing so much with so little. We often move mountains.
Q: What do you think are the biggest challenges facing the town?
A: If I may I will list what I feel are the topics/challenges:
1.) Infrastructure, Infrastructure, Infrastructure–Water throughout the town when costs make sense, especially where wells are drying up. Is there an opportunity to capitalize on the natural gas lines in our back yards?
2.) Utilities in general, especially where we are laying the groundwork for many years to come
3.) We need an Economic Development committee
4.) We are in need of an EMS service “in our town” that we support. We need to consider the costs at retaining our own people, especially when minutes count in an emergency situation.
5.) Better communication with residents about future goals and plans. Remain accountable for the implementation of those goals.
6.) Better public notification of meetings.
7.) Complete the rail trail and other bike/running areas
8.) Create a limited tax incentive to develop commercial and residential areas.
Q: What are your ideas for addressing these challenges?
A: Unfortunately, a limit of words within this online form will not give this topic its due diligence, but I will try to address a few things …
To capitalize on the zoning pressure on the 85 corridor… what about a Styvesant Plaza meets “The Crossings?” Promote small business in that area, maybe a restaurant? A CVS? In my 44 years we have four Stewarts Shops (which are really great). Hear all ideas, with all parties involved and with the town’s residents (is the plan created going to work, is it going to be implemented?) Our town is too cumbersome when it comes to certain topics.
I also would like to explore what is possible to achieve when looking toward the next 20 years. There’s an opportunity at our feet that will set the future for years to come. We need to address this intelligently.
