To the Editor:

As I write this, there are only two weeks until Election Day, and, although Guilderland will be electing its first new town supervisor since 1999, the local political scene has been very quiet. I believe that this is because most residents have been generally satisfied with the job that outgoing Supervisor Ken Runion has done in terms of keeping town taxes as low as possible, of keeping town government open and responsive to the people, providing needed infrastructure improvements, and managing growth in a well-planned and thoughtful manner.

Elections at all levels are frequently driven by voter dissatisfaction, with political parties “waging war” over what the issues really are and who can best fix them. Guilderland in 2015 has managed to avoid that type of strife, and I expect that most folks are just as happy that this is the case. However, the relatively good place that our community is in right now doesn’t mean that voters need take no interest in the local election this year.

It seems to me that the critical element in deciding Guilderland’s future right now lies in determining which supervisor candidate, and also which group of candidates, is most likely to enable Guilderland to continue its pattern of delivering an appropriate level of municipal services efficiently, and to manage growth in the town carefully.

There is always talk in Guilderland about broadening the tax base, and, while spreading the tax burden across a wider base is a worthy principle, translating that principle into practice effectively is challenging. Too much growth without sound planning can result in major thoroughfares that are not only aesthetically displeasing, but also home to many a failed business. One need only look at roads like Hamburg Street or Central Avenue to see what unplanned growth can produce.

I see positive characteristics in both slates of candidates running for town office this year, and I have to commend everyone involved for running a civil, low-key campaign in an environment where such an approach was fully warranted.

I myself am in favor of the election of the slate of Peter Barber for town supervisor, and Alan Maikels and Rosemary Centi for town board. All three have significant backgrounds in public service, and I am particularly enthusiastic about Mr. Barber’s background as the chairman of the Guilderland Zoning Board of Appeals since 2000.

I have attended or watched many of the meetings of the ZBA during Mr. Barber’s tenure, and have always been impressed by his grasp of the issues, his complete fairness to all parties, and the calm and orderly manner in which he approaches the work of the board. This type of approach is critical in directing the land-use issues that are sure to be key components in the task of ensuring that Guilderland remains a leader in the region in terms of good government, sound planning, and fiscal responsibility.

Mr. Maikels, based on his record on the town board, and Ms. Centi, with her history of public service as town clerk, are well-positioned to participate in Guilderland’s future successes.

Some who read this may evaluate the race differently, and I certainly respect their decision in that regard. Regardless of which candidates you support, please come to the polls on Nov. 3 and express your support for the candidates that you believe represent our town’s best hope of keeping Guilderland the Capital District’s premier residential community.

Donald Csaposs

Guilderland

Editor’s note: Donald Csaposs works as a grant writer for the town of Guilderland.