Wallkill Valley Times Dec. 27 2017

T IMES WALLKILL VALLEY Vol. 35, No 52 3 WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2017 3 ONE DOLLAR Vikings like water Page 31 www .W allkill V alley T imes . net Sassi steps down from Crawford Town Board A ‘ new view’ Winchell sworn in as Montgomery Town Supervisor By JASPREET GILL [email protected] Jaspreet Gill Rod Winchell is sworn in as the 2018 Town of Montgomery Supervisor by Town Justice Raynard Ozman on Tuesday, Dec 26, with his family present. As the Town of Montgomery says goodbye to 10-year Supervisor Michael Hayes, Rod Winchell is getting ready to take his place. Winchell was sworn in as the new Town of Montgomery Supervisor on Tuesday, Dec. 26. “I want to bring in an outside perspective with a new view,” says Winchell. “...My biggest goal is to make residents and businesses better in the town. Winchell says his experience with the Air Force and understanding the government from the outside-in has equipped him for his new role. Winchell has been a government contractor for the past 30 years in Montgomery. “As a business owner I’ve always supported people who would bring effective leadership to our town and our state level law,” he says. “[I felt] there was a need for a good look from the outside...This time last year, [running for Town Supervisor] wasn’t even an idea.” Winchell says residents will be pleased as he has big plans for the Town of Montgomery and plans on collaborating with town officials and village officials to bring necessary changes to Montgomery. - Jaspreet Gill Councilman Rob Sassi bid farewell to the Crawford town board during last week’s meeting as he prepares to take on his new role representing District 18 in the Orange County Legislature. “It really has been an honor and privilege to sit [on the town board],” he said. “....So it’s really with mixed emotions that I ran for legislator and I thank the wonderful residents of Crawford and part of the town of Wallkill that I represent for having the faith and confidence in me to run for office. I will not forget the great people of Crawford.” Sassi defeated incumbent Roseanne Sullivan during the Nov. 7 elections. He will be sworn in as an Orange County legislator on Thursday, Jan. 4, 3:30 pm in the Goshen legislative chambers. “He’s been a calming voice,” said Charles Carnes, Crawford Supervisor. A meeting has been set for town board members on Jan 2 where the replacement of Sassi will be discussed. A public hearing will follow the meeting to get the input of the community before any decisions are made. Town board members also set a date for a hearing on a local law continuing the property tax exemption for Cold War veterans. New York State enacted the statute in January of 2008, authorizing municipalities to offer a partial real property tax exemption to qualifying Cold Continued on page 5 SERVING CRAWFORD, GARDINER, MAYBROOK, MONTGOMERY, PINE BUSH, SHAWANGUNK, WALDEN AND WALLKILL