Time for a new direction in Carmel

Dear Editor,

I am excited to cast my vote on Nov. 4 for Jean Hopper for Carmel Town Board Supervisor!

As someone who has lived in Carmel for decades, I have seen my taxes rise and my quality of life fall. New leadership is definitely long past due, and I look forward to a new and fresh outlook on efficiently tackling projects and managing infrastructure to avoid overspending due to neglect (parks, roads), delays (community center, public transportation) or ill-advised spending on projects (water treatment plant), thereby saving tax dollars and improving quality of life.

Also among the issues facing Carmelites, energy bills are at or near the top. I’ve had occasion to speak with Town Board candidate Brett Wieland, who points out that while neither he nor the Carmel Town Board has authority to set utility rates, with his experience working at the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, in which he has managed a $50 million budget for programs that save state residents money on their energy bills, he can work with the town, residents and other organizations to help lower their energy bills.

Brett is also focused on ensuring that Carmelites get the biggest bang for their tax buck.

Brett strikes me as a man of integrity, a strong drive toward public service and the experience needed to clear obstacles out of the way and get the job done. We need Brett on our Town Board, which desperately needs new blood and a new direction.

Carmel is ready for its makeover!

Thank you,

-Julianne Vaupen, Mahopac