59°
Pound Ridge is simply one of the best places on Earth to live, and it has been my lifelong home. Not only does it possess natural beauty, but it is a town with a soul. Pound Ridge became what it is through the hard work, dedication and foresight of those that came before us and served as volunteers, and as I am humbled to say I now do, as a Town Board member.
To build upon our legacy and to ensure we pass it on comes with great responsibility. It is that responsibility I am certain I am the best qualified to inherit.
My qualifications for the role of Town Supervisor are grounded in 40 years of well established and verifiable service to the Town. I have been a volunteer fireman, police officer; employee and later head of the Highway Department (while serving as a Councilman), first Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds, served 16 years on the Zoning Board of Appeals, (8 as Chair), am a three term Town Board member, during which time I have authored myriad policies and guides. I have overseen the planning and completion of countless projects, too numerous to list here. My tenure has been defined by dedication, hard work, and a fierce allegiance to fiscal responsibility
For 36 years, I have made a living managing a portfolio of high value real estate with the responsibility to oversee all budgeting, planning and control of both capital construction and maintenance projects; purchasing, accounts payable, contract administration, lease negotiations; site security and human resources for all of the properties. Whenever an issue regarding these properties has come before any Town Board or Commission, I have recused myself from those discussions because it is my ethical responsibility to do so.
Going forward we must continue to prudently manage our financial resources and make wise judgments in selecting the services we provide based upon the community’s overall needs, not simply our wants. 2013 marks our first balanced budget in five years. Looking to the future means rebuilding our fund balance to better prepare the Town for the next financial downturn so we can weather the storm without reducing essential services. This requires a common sense approach to our financial planning and spending, minimizing debt and, most importantly, searching out efficiencies and methods to simply do things better at less cost.
We must continue to recruit and support resident volunteers to staff our boards and commissions, provide us with their knowledge and expertise in managing our community and preserving its physical character and pleasurable, inclusive way of life.
Almost daily, Town residents and employees alike turn to me for advice on a variety of issues. This is a role that I cherish, take seriously and accept with pride. I have come to realize that voters do not owe a position to someone who seeks it. I am, however, supremely confident that I have at least earned the right to vie for the spot I seek and hope I have convinced you that your vote for me will be put to work for you.
Richard Lyman
The Pound Ridge Daily Voice accepts signed letters to the editor. Send letters to poundridge@dailyvoice.com.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Pound Ridge and receive free news updates.
