KNOX — Brett Pulliam was surprised when he was asked to join the Knox Planning Board.
"I don’t know why they wanted me," he said. "They asked me."

Last week, the town board unanimously appointed Pulliam to replace long-time planning board member Dennis Colliton, who resigned last month, citing personal reasons. Pulliam was recommended by planning board Chairman Robert Price.

Though he didn’t expect the appointment, Pulliam said he was glad to accept the position.
"It’s part of my public service to the community," Pulliam said.

Pulliam is a former member of the Knox Youth Council.

Pulliam works as a builder, constructing house frames with post-and-beam techniques. He also does some cabinetry, he said.

An example of his work is the octagonal barn on the property of Russ and Amy Pokorny in Knox. The barn is the site of a Hilltown farmers’ market.

Pulliam said he has yet to formulate an approach to his planning-board position.
"It will just be from a common-sense point of view, I guess," he said.

Pulliam has lived in Knox for about 20 years, he said.
"I like the country atmosphere," Pulliam said, "and the proximity to Albany if you need some cultural enlightenment."

His father, Vall, was a long-time member of the planning board and is now a member of the board of assessment review.