A sincere thank you to everyone who supported my run for Mamakating Town Council.
I lost the election but gained something invaluable - the inspiration to lead. Inspiration from the many new relationships I have with my neighbors, great people I have come to deeply appreciate, and the knowing that I came this close. 120 votes away from having a seat at the table of my local government.
I look forward to deepening my roots here, this community I call home. That I depend on and who depend on me. I remain in service to all who call this place home. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me. We are in this together.
Thank you for being here.
I appreciate you taking time to be here.
I’ve been a community organizer for the past 25 years. Bringing people together to work toward a common goal is one of my greatest strengths and our greatest opportunity as a community here in the Town of Mamakating. I believe our future depends on what we’re willing to build together.
I was born and raised in Chittenango, NY, and lived in New York City before moving to Wurtsboro six years ago. The beautiful nature and small-town brought me here. My wife and I have been restoring a 160-year-old mountainside farm. Tending to the gardens, orchard, and animals keeps us busy—and often scratching our heads. Growing cherry trees and keeping chickens alive have been challenging for me.
Once a week, my wife and I host a children’s nature program at our home with local families. Meeting fellow parents and giving our son a chance to grow alongside other children has been an answer to our prayers. I also host a monthly gathering of men at our home. As a group, we stretch, work out, and do something men rarely do - talk.
“IT TAKES A VILLAGE.”
As a husband, a father of two boys, and a business owner, I’ve come to appreciate how deeply the Wurtsboro community has shaped our family’s life. From our local library and many children’s programs to barbecues with neighbors and community events throughout the year, I feel blessed to raise my family here.
I look forward to working with my neighbors to create the beautiful future that I know is possible when we work together.
Where I stand.
I was recently told a story by a dear friend of mine who is a native to this land. He told me that many years ago rivers flowed from these mountains, trees were big enough that the people held meetings in them, Elk roamed and food was bountiful. How beautiful and abundant is this place - then and now? We are fortunate to live among these lands and waters. It can be easy to take these gifts for granted, but they are vital to our way of life. We live within a delicate ecosystem, and I want to help care for it so future generations don’t have to tell stories of how beautiful this place once was.
Land & Water Preservation
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Our independent contractors, ecotourism destinations, and family-owned storefronts give Mamakating its character. They help our neighbors make a living and give visitors a reason to return. I want to listen to local business owners, understand what they need, and work to remove unnecessary obstacles for people trying to operate a business here. We can build on the work of groups like the Wurtsboro Board of Trade and the Sullivan Catskills Visitors Association, while exploring how vacant storefronts and land could serve our community. I believe the best ideas will come from the people already doing the work.
Small Business Development
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The health of a community is reflected in its children. How are we tending to the next generation? Families need places to gather, children need opportunities to grow, and parents need to know they can count on their neighbors. We’re fortunate to have programs and spaces like the Mamakating Library, Mamakating Environmental Education Center, and the Wurtsboro Art Alliance. I want to listen to local families, support the people already bringing us together, and help make Mamakating a place where every family feels connected and cared for.
Families & Children
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Interdependence
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How can we, as a small community, rely more on one another? I want to explore ways we can work together to meet local needs, share what we know, and build systems that make life better for our neighbors. I don’t have all the answers. Let’s explore what’s possible together.
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