WURTSBORO – Mickey Maher believes in community service. She has demonstrated this commitment first as a member of the Wurtsboro Board of Trustees, and, for the last two years, as Mayor of the village.

But this dedication to the community wasn't on her mind when she moved to Wurtsboro in 1977. Originally from New Orleans, Maher lived in several different places in New York State — including Peekskill and Spring Valley — before settling in the village with her husband William. And it wasn't until 2000 when, at the request of former Wurtsboro mayor Gene Young, she decided to throw her hat into the ring and run for the position of village trustee.

"[Gene] said that I was very personable," said Maher. "I get along well with people and I had an interest in the village."

This personal touch is something in which Maher prides herself. She feels a certain disdain for those elected officials who become aloof, cutting themselves off from the constituents they are charged with serving. Maher doesn't want to end up like that.

"I love the village and care about its people," Maher said. "It's wonderful that we all work together."

This unanimity has translated into a rare cross-party endorsement for Maher — and her running mate Barbara Piper — with both the Democratic and Republican parties nominating the pair for mayor and trustee, respectively. Given the hyper-partisan politics of the last several decades, many would find it refreshing that an elected official, on any level, should win over the support of both ends of the political spectrum.

This feeling of bipartisanship should serve her well if she is reelected. As of this moment there are at least two major projects being considered for the village, and Maher wants to ensure that she finishes the job she started. The biggest of these projects is the revamping of the village water system.

"I would like another two years," said Maher, in regard to the $1.4 million project which would bring the village water supply into the twenty-first century. She and her fellow trustees want to ensure that the project is completed in a timely manner.

The other project that she would like to undertake is a reconfiguration of the storm water system, at the north end of the village, in the neighborhood that includes Forest and Woodland Drives. Apparently, there has been some flooding in this low-lying area in recent years, and Maher wants to address the problem as soon as possible. "The bids [for the project] should go out in mid-March," she said.

If successful, Maher will leave a significant stamp upon the Village of Wurtsboro, one which could see her legacy stretch well into the twenty-first century.

She does, however, have a few regrets. For example, she wishes she could do more about the dearth of businesses on Sullivan Street.

"I'd like to keep every store in Wurtsboro open," she said.

As of this moment there are a number of storefronts on the main street which are boarded up. Maher would like to find a way to change this, if possible, thereby turning a quiet street back into the bustling community it used to be during its heyday. She is considering looking for ways to help landlords lower rents for new businesses along Sullivan Street; and that, in doing so, both sides of the equation come out stronger.

"It's no good for anyone to have an empty storefront," she said.

Whether or not Maher is successful in this endeavor, time will tell. But there is no question that her determination to serve the village well will keep her in good stead should she be reelected.

The village will hold its election on March 18, a Wednesday, due to the St. Patrick's Day holiday.

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