Dolin says he has credentials, commitment to lead

NEW SCOTLAND – Thomas Dolin says he has the time, credentials, commitment, and experience to be a great town supervisor. He is making his first run on the Democratic line against Republican challenger, Douglas LaGrange.
"I think the town is at a crossroads. Development pressures are building," said Dolin. "The town needs leadership," he said.
"I want to preserve the fundamental rural character of the community," Dolin said. "I don’t want to see our schools become overcrowded or our roads congested," he said.

Dolin, 68, has lived in Voorheesville for nearly 40 years with his wife, Nancy. They have three children and four grandchildren.

His daughter and two of his grandchildren also live in New Scotland, giving him more incentive and commitment to do the job well, he said.
For 14 years, Dolin held one of two town justice positions, resigning mid-term in March to run for supervisor. Before becoming a judge, Dolin practiced law for 29 years. "I did a lot of commercial lending and trusts and estates work," he said earlier of his years as an attorney.

He was the managing partner of a 14-lawyer law firm with more than $3 million in gross revenues, he said, as proof of his abilities to manage the town’s finances. He was the attorney for the town of Westerlo for seven years and the attorney for the planning boards in both New Scotland and the village of Voorheesville. He is now retired.
"I believe I have the management training to be a good supervisor," Dolin said.
The supervisor is a member of the town board, but is also the day-to-day executive of the town as well as the chief financial officer, he said. "You’re kept pretty busy."

The town is in need of some active leadership, said Dolin.

Town issues

With regard to public water, Dolin said he is not promoting finding water for residential land developers. The town should target its efforts to meet the needs of existing residents, he said.
An agreement needs to be reached with the neighboring town of Bethlehem, indicating how much water is available. "I feel confident I can work out a relationship with Bethlehem to work out a commitment from them as to what they can offer us, and whether we can afford it," Dolin said.
In New Salem, for example, he said, there are some "serious problems" with the existing municipal supply. People could easily be connected to the Vly Creek Reservoir, he said. Bethlehem owns the reservoir, located in New Scotland.
"There are people all the way down Route 85 who could, I believe, at a reasonable cost, be connected, but have been left out," said Dolin.

With respect to zoning, Dolin said that the town is moving in the right direction with the proposal to implement a senior-housing law. He is glad, though, that the proposal has gone back to the planning board for further review, he said.

Dolin suggested incentive zoning, which would allow for some affordable housing, he said. For example, if a developer were to allocate 10 percent of a development as affordable housing, the town could in turn grant the developer one or two more units per acre, he said.
"I wouldn’t want to see an entire development devoted to affordable housing," he said. "It’s better to mix it in" There are people here who may need that sort of housing," he said. "I’d hate to see them move because they can’t afford to live here."

He encourages the use of clustered development, which preserves the vistas, he said.
In the report that the Residents’ Planning Advisory Committee (RPAC) submitted to the town in 2006, it was suggested that the industrial zone along the old D & H Railroad be converted into residential use. It is "not likely" the area will ever become industrial, and, Dolin said, it is better suited for residential use.
Submitting the RPAC report was "as far as it went," Dolin said. "I think the report was good, but it’s now time to implement its goals, and take some action and get things done," he said. "It is my intention to actively seek out the implementation of RPAC recommendations," he added.

The route 85 and 85 A corridor, which was a targeted area discussed in the report, is currently zoned a commercial district.
"I’d like to consider converting it to a commercial hamlet," said Dolin. It’s important to focus on residential use, as well as attracting small retail establishments that would support the village atmosphere, he said. "That area is ripe for some kind of reasonable development, and would help us with the school tax burden," he said.
Dolin is not opposed to the formation of committees similar to RPAC, he said, "if they’re not abused or used as a mechanism to bury legislation."
The RPAC did good work, but the town can’t spend much more time studying things, Dolin said. "I think it’s time to get some things accomplished."
The town’s current planning process, he said, works well. "I’m happy with the way things work," he said. "Town law requires public hearings" The board is actively promoting involvement by town residents," he said.
With regard to the comprehensive land-use plan, Dolin said he thinks the town is "on the right track" with its plan to update data and mapping.
"The plan, as it was adopted, still represents current thinking of the community," he said, reiterating the need for more current data such as population density and standards for town-owned roads.
Bringing commercial development into the town has been a struggle, Dolin said. "It would be nice if we could attract some small retail and light, clean industry" We don’t have the infrastructure to support these types of businesses," he said.

The Route 85 corridor has a lack of water and sewage, which are expensive commodities, he said.
"My goal is to sit down with Bethlehem officials to see to what extent they are willing and able to help us" The 85 corridor is probably our best hope of increasing our tax base through development that won’t add to our school population," he said."I’ve spent a significant part of my professional life advising officials on the operation of village and town government," Dolin concluded. "And, I have the time to devote to the job."