Former Recreation Superintendent praises Lucas’s work behind the scenes

Dear Editor,

Having lived and worked in North Salem for decades, I have had the opportunity to see our town government from a perspective that many residents probably have not.

I spent 40 years as North Salem’s Superintendent of Recreation, and over those years I came to know Warren Lucas and to see firsthand just how much he does for this town.

Over the years, I cannot tell you how many times I have heard Warren say, “We’ve been working on…” and then tell me about a project, a grant, a problem he was trying to solve or something he was pursuing for North Salem.

That is the nature of good local government. Much of the work involved in developing a project takes place long before residents see the final result. There are meetings, phone calls, applications, negotiations and years of persistence. Warren is constantly preparing projects and improvements to bring before the Town Board for its consideration and vote, and residents may not realize just how much work goes into getting them to that point.

Just look at some of what has been accomplished during Warren’s years as Supervisor: the Peach Lake sewer system, major drainage projects, new town facilities, improvements to our water districts, the new soccer field at Joe Bohrdrum Park, and the continuing effort to bring sewers to Croton Falls. He has worked on and received a total of over $40 million in grants during his time as Supervisor.

Having worked for this town for 40 years, I know these things do not just happen. Someone has to keep pushing them forward, sometimes for years.

What has always impressed me about Warren is how much extra he takes on for North Salem. He is involved. He follows the details. And so much of what he does is work most residents may never know about simply because they are not following every project or issue that comes before the Town Board.

I can only speak from my own experience, and after four decades of working in North Salem, I have seen enough to know how much effort goes into keeping a town like ours running.

That is why I support Warren Lucas for re-election as North Salem Town Supervisor. I have known him and worked with him for many years, and I continue to be amazed by how much he does for the town we both care so deeply about.

-Beverly Golisano, North Salem