As I begin winding down my political career, I'm taking this opportunity to pause for a few moments to thank the residents of the Town of Wawarsing for their generous, unqualified support, allowing me the years of public service, serving both as Town Supervisor and Ulster County Legislator. It's also a good time to look back to review and evaluate our town's productivity during the past two years. Although it's been a very fulfilling and exciting experience, we faced stiff economic challenges almost every day.

Together, we were able to reach a number of goals and achieved many objectives, a few I never thought possible, and in the process, we made a big difference benefiting the citizens of the Town of Wawarsing. The accomplishments attained during the past two years not only improve today's Wawarsing but are benefits that will continue for many years, enhancing the quality of life for our people. As expected, of course, a few projects are still ongoing and will take time to complete. However, before I start reminiscing, let me answer a question that repeatedly was asked of me by innumerable residents, one that easily could be characterized as one of the leading issues. The question: "Is Walmart still coming?" The answer, as was recently confirmed by the dismissed lawsuit is, "Yes, clearly Walmart is very much alive and still on the way." Construction, I expect, will start some time this year, probably late spring or early summer, and will take about 12 months. Once completed, several hundred badly needed job opportunities will be created for our citizens.

Nonetheless, as important as Walmart is to the Town of Wawarsing, it is not the only good news that's coming our way. Several very important projects are either nearing completion, about to fire up, or in the final planning stage that will greatly benefit our people for years to come. The news, as you might imagine, is especially heartening since we continue to experience a severe and devastating economic tragedy.

Where should I begin? Because so many good things have happened in the past couple of years, it's difficult to list and prioritize them, but here goes.

As some may already have noticed, construction is currently in progress for a larger, more efficient wastewater treatment plant, which will service Kerhonkson and the immediate surrounding vicinity. When finished later this year, it will give a green light for economic development in the Kerhonkson area. Another project soon to begin, which will balance the region's basic infrastructure, is a complete overhaul of Kerhonkson's Water Department, from the storage tanks to the faucet, including new water meters, and upgrading several poorly functioning fire hydrants. It's long suspected that wooden pipes are still operating within the system, and must be replaced before a catastrophic calamity develops. Additionally, some interest has developed from several Kerhonkson residents living in the Town of Rochester requesting we supply them water. Since we have more than enough, this should be explored. There would be some initial costs, but most, if not all, would be paid by the new users. In the long range, it looks like a good idea and it means additional income for Wawarsing.

Yet another Kerhonkson undertaking is the construction of sidewalks reaching the elementary school via Route 209 and Academy Avenue. This is for the safety of the students, and construction is about to begin, also probably this year. And still in the Kerhonkson area, plans are unfolding to establish the "Rail Trail," which will run from the Rochester Town line to Eastern Correctional Facility, giving the tourism industry a good shot in the arm. And of course, I must mention that the long, long, awaited construction of Ulster County's Kerhonkson Bridge, after 17 years of delay after delay, is finally under way. Need I say it's about time? Kerhonkson is at last getting some much-needed attention, and this cumulatively puts them in a great position for economic development and expansion.

In the hamlet of Wawarsing we are able to offer assistance to the Smith Road and Route 209-area residents affected by New York City's leaking tunnel by becoming the lead agency. Not sure it was completely legal, as informed by counsel, but it was the right thing to do. We continue to act as the go-between, overseeing bottled water delivery, arranging sump pumps, and a water purification system installed in each affected home, all completely paid for by New York City. Hopefully, someday this unfortunate situation can be mutually resolved; until then we'll keep on top of it.

Then there's Lippman Park, which is also undergoing a few welcome changes. A section of the pond has been dredged, clearing weeds, undergrowth, bushes, and small trees, which will allow better circulation around the island. A splash park for the enjoyment of our youngsters will soon be under construction, as well as a pond water fountain, and blacktopping of the remaining walking path should take place within the year. Also, an extensive network of hiking and bike trails in an area adjacent to the park that has been developed using volunteer labor is nearly finished, adding 6.5 miles of nature trails for the delight of all who take advantage of our natural beauty.

Still another important spoke in the Town of Wawarsing revitalization wheel is in the Hamlet of Napanoch, where a booster water pump station is under construction on Continental Road, which will at last enable clean, usable water delivered to the residents living within Napanoch's Water District. The residents of Napanoch have put up with discolored, unusable water long enough. In late December, I signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Village of Ellenville, finally allowing sparkling clear water to be distributed throughout the Napanoch water system.

The sheriff's sub-station on Airport Road should be completed and in operation by early spring. For the safety of arriving and departing aircraft, an aviation weather station is up and running, and when TV cable finds its way to Airport Road, anyone with a computer will be able to access local weather information. Other airport improvements include an expanded parking area for visiting aircraft and additional airplane tie-downs, giving the town added parking income. It's important to note all aviation improvements are at no cost to local taxpayers, with funding coming from the New York State Department of Transportation and the FAA. Also scheduled for next year are streetlights on Airport Road for the safety of evening walkers and joggers and addressing security concerns, once again thanks to the FAA.

I had hoped to begin negotiations with Medi-Vac Helicopter Emergency Service, bringing them to the airport as their base of operations. I'm sure most have seen helicopters flying in and out of the hospital, taking patients to other medical facilities. However, it proved to be difficult to schedule a meeting this late in the year. Perhaps next spring. For a multitude of reasons, our airport has increased its activity, advancing to the next level. It is now in a positive position to leap even further ahead, attracting corporate activity and employment, another economic plus for our community.

Finally, after weeks of deliberation, the near impossible task of putting together the 2010 budget was presented for a public hearing. In light of our economic crisis, the town board was completely mindful of not increasing expenditures and reducing expenses in areas where we could. We did that and then some; this year's Town of Wawarsing budget was reduced an outstanding nine percent. This is most welcome news, especially when other nearby municipalities increased their taxes, some in the double-digit range.

I'm extremely proud of the record of accomplishments that were achieved, particularly in such a short period of time — only two years — and during a stretch when our economy was, and continues to be, in the dumpster. However, in spite of our deterring economy, we have experienced great economic results partly because state and federal grant funds were found to help finance several projects. Nevertheless, the big question remains, are we better off today than we were two years ago? The answer is a resounding, yes we are! The town has increased its surplus funds and we have a sizeable cushion in the banks anticipating almost any emergency, and we have met all our obligations. And I want to say once again, a 9 percent reduction in Town of Wawarsing taxes was given back to the taxpayers. We had a great two years.

In conclusion, I especially want to thank the wonderful employees of the Town of Wawarsing for their continuous, dedicated service. Most town citizens do not realize the jewels and the extraordinary high quality of the people working for our town, right down to the last employee. We could not have reached any level of success without them. Once again, a big thank you all, for a job well done.

It's been an honor and a privilege to have served the people of the Town of Wawarsing as your supervisor. I take great pride in being a native New Yorker and Wawarsing resident. If I can be of any help to anyone, please do not hesitate to contact me. My new phone number is 210-4363.