Preserve What Makes Us Special
Cornwall-on-Hudson’s character matters. Growth must be thoughtful and measured, protecting our history, neighborhoods, and environment.
I am running for Village Trustee because I believe Village government should stay focused on local issues and local people. At a time when national politics can be loud and divisive, our local leaders should insulate the Village from that noise and remain focused on building community, with neighbors helping neighbors. At the same time, a healthy community is one where everyone feels heard and respected, and where residents are free to stand up for what they believe in without national politics overwhelming our shared civic space. Preserving Cornwall-on-Hudson’s history, traditions, and small-town feel, while also making thoughtful, well-planned decisions that welcome new families and support incremental growth, requires that balance.
Smart, Responsible Planning
As an engineer and construction manager, I understand long-term infrastructure planning and fiscal responsibility. Decisions should be data-informed and sustainable.
Locally, I volunteer as a coach with Cornwall Little League and Cornwall Youth Basketball, and I value the everyday conversations that happen on sidelines, at school events, and around town. Those conversations matter, and they should help inform how our Village is governed.
I would welcome the opportunity to bring my experience and serve alongside you in support of our Village over the next four years. I sincerely hope to earn your support and your vote on March 18th. Thank you for helping make Cornwall-on-Hudson the special place that drew us back and keeps us invested in its future.
Transparency and Accountability
Residents deserve clear communication, accessible decision-making, and leadership that explains not just what decisions are made, but why.
Collaboration Over Conflict
Strong local government works best when leaders listen, respect differences, and work constructively with residents, Town partners, and neighboring communities.
(continued from Cornwall Local) Brian Mitchell - Village Focus
A consultant and retired US Army engineer officer, Mitchell has lived in the community for five years total – first from 2013-2016, and then 2024 to present. He says as a parent with young kids in our schools, he’s been thinking about the long-term future of Cornwall-on-Hudson. “The village is entering an important period with leadership transitions in key departments, infrastructure needs, and real questions about costs and taxes,” he said. “Residents deserve a voice in those decisions. I’m running to help move our village government toward a more proactive and transparent style that includes residents early in decision-making, explains changes clearly, and plans carefully for the future. I’ve devoted my adult life to public service and now I want to contribute to maintaining the vitality and sovereignty of our beautiful Village.”
On budget: Residents deserve clear explanations when the tax levy moves or programs change, whether it’s property tax exemptions or summer camp costs. The village should also actively explore efficient collaboration with the town where it benefits us while preserving village independence. Specifically in the budget, we should look closely at the cost of professional services - engineering, legal and consulting - with spending last year of over 30% more than budgeted. Between the expertise of the department heads, the Board of Trustees, and our village committees, we should spend less taxpayer money to decide how to spend taxpayer money.
On prioritizing infrastructure projects: Our village provides strong core services, but we face real infrastructure pressures, from drainage and roads to aging equipment and key personnel retirements. We should prioritize maintenance of essential infrastructure and long-term planning to avoid costly emergencies. I would focus on stormwater management, responsible equipment replacement and rebuilding financial reserves. Unfortunately, over the last few years we have drawn down our capital reserves by almost $1M, so we have less cushion to respond to major requirements without raising taxes. We need to relook this and make hard, transparent decisions about the trade-offs. Planning ahead is more affordable than reacting late.
How to support small business: Our local businesses contribute greatly to the village’s character and vitality. The village should maintain clear, predictable permitting processes and keep open lines of communication with business owners. We need to review the Village Code and make sure the requirements still make sense today. A proactive board that listens and responds to residents and entrepreneurs alike can help ensure Hudson Street continues to thrive. The NY Forward Small Business Grant program is a great initiative, but it is a reimbursable program, meaning we must get creative in helping small businesses front the capital and get their projects done quickly.
About transparency: Transparency and communication are core responsibilities of the Board of Trustees. Residents deserve to understand major decisions, especially when they involve taxes, fees, or changes to services. The board should communicate proactively. Public hearings should be coupled with surveys and detailed presentations to hear from residents and get their feedback. Major decisions should involve committees of concerned citizens whenever possible. Good governance means listening, explaining decisions clearly, and working collaboratively to represent the community as a whole. My goal is a local government that plans ahead, works as a team, and includes residents in the decisions that shape our village’s future.
