73°
Stewart said he will leave office when his term expires Dec. 31, 2017.
The announcement came Friday by email and on social media, a decision he acknowledge might “surprise” and “disappoint” some people. Stewart said he feels his six years as Supervisor allowed him to accomplish man goals “without becoming politically entrenched.”
“I never promised, and have never sought a career in politics and I’m very excited to find new ways to serve my comment and country in the years to come,” he said.
Stewart said he announced the decision early to allow the democratic process “to find, recruit, and elect an outstanding successor.”
Meanwhile, he outlined some of his goals for the remainder of his term.
“Over the final 17 months of my term, I will continue working every day on the pressing issues facing Orangetown, from the town budget to energy efficiency, from updating the town code and protecting our quality of life, to the daily work of administration and helping residents,” he explained.
There will be focus on redevelopment plans for RPC, making progress on green infrastructure, and initiating a capital planning process for a new town hall, Stewart said.
Stewart said keeping the public informed by posting town meetings on TV and YouTube, giving tours of the sewer plant and green infrastructure projects, as well as on the issue at Anellotech and Hillside are among his accomplishments.
He also lauded a grant writing program and funding sidewalks, a new bridge, a new bike path, and many sewer improvements.
“We also built the biggest and most innovative stormwater treatment facility in the region, a project that will reduce pollution and flooding in the Sparkill Creek while beautifying a derelict piece of land in Tappan,” Stewart noted.
Stewart talked about how work towards reducing expenses and increasing revenues related to the town’s golf program, noting the town is paying back the golf debt to the general fund.
“For this and other reasons, our budgets have been under the New York State Tax Cap, while providing critical funding for roads, sewers, police, parks and other community necessities.”
“Serving as Town Supervisor has been an immense honor and privilege,” said Stewart.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Tappan-Blauvelt and receive free news updates.
