Village of Highland Falls
Election information:
Registered voters in Highland Falls will go to the polls to elect two trustees to the Village Board on Tuesday, March 21, from noon to 9 p.m. at the Senior Citizen Center, located at 15 Drew Ave., Highland Falls. In addition to voting for two trustees, voters will be asked to vote yes or no on the following proposition: “Shall the Village elections of the Village of Highland Falls be conducted by the Board of Elections of the County of Orange instead of the Village of Highland Falls Village Clerk beginning April 1, 2023?”
Jim DiSalvo
How long have you been a village resident? 43 years.
What is your professional background? I have worked in banking and finance for over 17 years. Started at Highland Falls Federal Savings & Loan, which is now Wallkill Valley Federal Savings & Loan where I have remained currently serving as a vice president.
How long have you served as trustee/mayor? I have served on the Village Board for approximately nine years. When I got re-elected back in 2013, I ran for county legislator won, and vacated my trustee seat in December of 2013. Later I came back to village government and have been serving since then.
What clubs/organizations are you a member of? I am a member of the following organizations:
1) Sacred Heart Parish
2) Highland Falls Fire Department (past vice president, current chairman of the Board of Directors)
3) Member/treasurer of the West Point-Highland Falls Rotary Club
4) Elks Lodge in Haverstraw
5) Knights of Columbus (past financial secretary and advocate)
6) 4th of July Committee
Why are you running for a seat on the board? I continue to want to serve the community and foster a great place to live and raise a family. I think we have tremendous potential and can achieve great things. I am running to preserve what we can and is appropriate, to promote smart economic development and to make our community affordable to live and flourish. We can bring back civility to the meetings and focus our energy on investing in our community and working together.
What qualifications would you say make you a good candidate to represent the village residents? As I have served on the Town, Village, Planning and School Boards in our community I know how our local government works. Having served in Orange County government for four years I have a great relationship with county officials and have their ear when we need it. I am a firm believer in teamwork and always listen to everyone. We may not always agree, but I will always take the time to listen to people who have a different opinion.
What do you hope to accomplish if elected? We want to continue to invest in our community – from infrastructure, our kids and our seniors – and do more for our special needs community. It is vital that we continue to work on economic development and promote smart commercial development. We also need to hold those investors accountable and make sure they move their project along. Lastly, we want to ensure that our public safety professionals have the tools they need to maximize our community’s protection and prosperity.
What are your thoughts on the village election being run locally versus by Orange County? I will be voting no on the proposition. Having won and lost elections I am confident that the Village elections can be run locally. There is no added security by bringing it to the county. I believe government is most effective when it’s local. The bigger the government the better the chances that things tend to slip through the cracks. Since 1906 we have had our elections (women voted here first) in Highland Falls, it works and doesn’t need to be changed.
Pat Flynn
How long have you been a village resident? I am a lifelong resident.
What is your professional background? Owned and operated Party Time for 25 years.
How long have you served as a trustee/mayor? I served as both village trustee and mayor for four years. I also served on the Board of Education.
What clubs/organizations are you a member of?
Ambulance corps over 25 years; Meals on Wheels over 15 years; Volunteer youth coach for over 30 years; run a community food drive for 19 years; Lector Eucharistic minister; CCD instructor; Knights of Columbus; Rotary; Chamber of Commerce; Volunteer for American Legion; Children’s Angel Network
Why are you running for a seat on the board? I am running to bring honest government back to the board and get control of the overspending. When I was mayor we were able to set aside hundreds of thousands in reserve funds. I want to bring in more outside money, and increase our tax base. I believe we need to manage money better; spending is out of control. As well, we must use more county and state resources we already pay for but do not utilize, and we need to build a better relationship between the town and school board. We need to bring in projects like the lighting program to save taxpayers.
What qualifications would you say make you a good candidate to represent the village residents? The village is a business and needs to be run as such; the client, our residents, are not being taking care of properly. I have a degree in Business Administration and have run my own business successfully for 25 years. My record as mayor was also very positive for the village.
What do you hope to accomplish if elected?
– More accountability for departments. We have good people we aren’t giving them the tools to succeed.
– Better communication between board and community utilizing the newspaper, online, and in person.
– Work with business community and residents to find new businesses the community is looking for.
– We don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Reach out to other communities to see how they are being successful with programs.
– Work on our relationship with West Point.
What are your thoughts on the village election being run locally versus by Orange County? I believe we need to look at all options and figure out what is best for our community.
Kevin Hurst
How long have you been a village resident? I have been a resident of Highland Falls my entire life. I attended Highland Falls schools, then went on to become a plumber’s apprentice for another local plumber after graduating.
What is your professional background? I have been in business for myself as a plumber, drain cleaner, and handyman for the last 20 years. At the same time, I ran the village’s Water Treatment Plant over 25 years, and the Department of Public Works for four years. I also served as a chief of the Highland Falls Fire Department for two terms, and was a Town of Highlands Police Officer for four years.
How long have you served as trustee/mayor? While I have never served as mayor or trustee, I was a department head for the village for many years.
What clubs/organizations are you a member of? I am a former chief of the Highland Falls Fire Department.
Why are you running for a seat on the board? I want to work for the village residents, and to hear their opinions on what they think would improve Highland Falls. I want to hold people accountable for their jobs, help control budget spending, oversee project spending, improve services of the village, and improve the overall quality of life living here in the village.
What qualifications would you say make you a good candidate to represent the village residents? I’m a lifelong village resident who worked for the village for 29 years as the superintendent of the Water Plant. I also ran the DPW, and I was the chief of the HFFD. I have my own plumbing and drain cleaning business in the village. With all my experience, I believe I can bring great leadership skills, I have great knowledge working with budgets, assessing, and quotes. I worked under contract for my 29 years working for the village so I understand the workings of how contracts are deliberated and agreed upon. I also see changes that can be made to benefit all residents and their wellbeing.
What do you hope to accomplish if elected? I hope I can help to clean up the village, improve services, and oversee spending. I would like to see all public employees accountable for their jobs. And, work towards a better government.
What are your thoughts on the village election being run locally versus by Orange County? I believe all village elections should be held locally. It hires local residents who know the people who are voting. It is safe and secure, and it is still overseen by the County’s Election Board.
Michael Joyce
How long have you been a village resident? I have resided in scenic and historic Highland Falls for 28 years. Of all the places that I’ve lived, which is many, there is only one other place that I hold dear in my heart which is Ireland. Highland Falls’ surrounding beauty reminds me of those wonderful, warm summer days when I hunted and fished in Connemarra County, Galway.
What is your professional background? I have City and Guilds for the Trades of London. I have been a carpenter all my life as well as being a career military soldier. I have seen action in Lebanon, Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as other places. I am also a heavy equipment operator dealing with all facets of the trade. I have taught classes to non-speaking English peoples in various aspects of my knowledge and fields.
How long have you served as trustee/mayor? I have never served on any village/town board. I am not a politician, but I feel as to what I see happening in the Village, I cannot sit on my hands. As with me and all the good people of Highland Falls who were brought up knowing right from wrong, I can no longer ignore the rampant disregard for taxpayer money. People work hard for their money. That money should be treated with respect.
What clubs/organizations are you a member of? When I lived in Ireland, I was a member of the Boy Scouts and also a Youth Leader. After my tour in Iraq, I joined the American Legion. Because of my family obligations and working in New York City and being a member of the United States Army Reserves, it is only since my retirement from Local 157 and the Reserves, that I can fully commit myself to the obligations of Village Trustee.
Why are you running for a seat on the board? I can no longer stand by and not act as to the mismanagement of taxpayer money that some of the present members of the Village Board engage in. I feel the good, hardworking and honest people of Highland Falls are not truly represented by certain individuals. It is my intent to give the taxpayers of Highland Falls a true voice at the Village meetings.
What qualifications would you say make you a good candidate to represent the village residents? The military has taught me rules to live by which are ingrained in the very fiber of my being: to always listen to and get advice from people who are in the know, no matter what the subject. A leader is only as good as the people she/he surrounds themselves with, and of the mind-set that they work for the people and the well-being of the community.
What do you hope to accomplish if elected? If elected, I willingly hold myself accountable to the taxpayers of Highland Falls, and always have an open door as to any concerns the public at large may have. I hope to revitalize Main Street shopping area which will help to take the burden off taxpayers; to establish funds for infrastructure that is now crumbling and in need of repair, to alleviate the already burdened taxpayer. Accountability is my watchword.
What are your thoughts on the village election being run locally versus by Orange County? What attracts people to America from different ethnic backgrounds and economic environments is that America is a democracy. People have the right to determine their destiny in matters of voting and human dignity that concerns every American. The people of Highland Falls, and only the people, will determine this voting matter. Regardless of the outcome, and what some Village Trustees think, the peoples’ voice will be heard.
Mervin Livsey
How long have you been a village resident? I’ve proudly been a resident of the Village of Highland Falls and a homeowner for 24 years, and also resided in Fort Montgomery for 30 years — West Point, Highland Falls, Fort Montgomery and Bear Mountain are the Town of Highlands. As a young boy I attended all the schools in our community – Fort Montgomery Elementary, Sacred Heart, Highland Falls Middle School and James I. O’Neill High School.
What is your professional background? Management, for 33 years of employment with Gate-Side Corporation. My job responsibilities included public concerns, issues and complaints, planning, development, beautification of the properties, purchasing and company fiscal responsibilities, responsible for regulations and permits on facilities grounds and hiring and scheduling of employees for certain departments of the facilities. In my past years of employment at the Corporation, maintaining company’s operation as general manager at one of their largest facilities.
How long have you served as trustee/mayor? It was a honor to serve the resident’s of the Village of Highland Falls from 2018-2021 (4 yrs) as a Village Trustee. During my years, we maintained our Village tax cap and continued progress of responsible fiscal spending.
What clubs/organizations are you a member of? Town of Highlands Ambulance Corps (over 10 yrs); OSHA Search & Rescue; New York State 124th Union Civil War Reenactors; volunteer during the holiday seasons for Highland Falls Library, the Center of Highland Falls and Chamber of Commerce; children entertainment at fire and police department events and both Christmas and July Fourth parades; member of the ASPCA; former Pony Tail League umpire; and Town of Highlands Community Service program.
Why are you running for a seat on the board? I believe in high moral of character and sound judgement. We need affordability in our community. We need to provide transparency to all community residents. We need a solid relationship with our neighbors the Town Board. We need to make sure every child, senior and family is provided the care they need. We need to stop wasteful spending on unnecessary lawsuits. We need to go after properties that are not proving proper property maintenance.
What qualifications would you say make you a good candidate to represent the village residents? Leadership, knowledge and experience. I proudly served in the Military and received awards for Outstanding Leadership and Development, Achievement Medal for Meritorious Service, and served as lead instructor at NCO Academy. My experience as general manager (see professional background) which is in relation to Village business. I know the difficulties families are facing with expenses increasing each and everyday, and this cannot be ignored. I will serve as Trustee for my community at 100% all the time.
What do you hope to accomplish if elected? Affordable community, and be transparent with residents. I will reduce our spending by cutting unnecessary cost by working along side of our Town, County and State agency’s. I will contact developers of undeveloped lands, and work with them so projects will begin. Open up reserve funds for children, seniors and families of need in the community. Grants and more Grants for infrastructure! Work with landlords to enhance Main Street. Stop unnecessary lawsuits. Work as a team!
What are your thoughts on the village election being run locally versus by Orange County? My opinion, If the election were to be kept locally in the Village of Highland Falls, there would be only two individuals having any access pertaining to any access of ballots, petitions, paperwork, discussion. No questions or answers would be conducted by anyone else under any circumstances. If a case of witness tampering came forth, subject/subjects would immediately be arrested. If this procedure cannot not be followed properly, then bring it to the county.
James Ramus
How long have you been a village resident? My family moved to this quaint village over 55 years ago and is a place that I have called home every since. My education is rooted in this community as alumni of local schools – The Sacred Heart of Jesus, James I. O’Neill and O.C.C.C.
What is your professional background? Currently working in the civil engineering/land planning and development industry for 20+ years, a Union mason journeyman working mainly in the restoration of older and historic buildings, and also worked in the food service industry full and part time for 24 years. During my time in these career choices I climbed the ladder of success all the while teaching others of the knowledge I learned along the way to make them successful as well.
How long have you served as trustee/mayor? I served for four years as a Village of Highland Falls trustee.
What clubs/organizations are you a member of? Sacred Heart of Jesus Church; proud Union member; the Fourth of July committee; current member and past executive vice president of the Orange County Federation of Sportsmen Clubs; Black Rock Fish & Game Club; Hudson River Sloop Clearwater; Sullivan County Long Beards; S.C.O.P.E.; Alliance Defending Freedom for Faith and Justice; Arbor Day Foundation; National Pro-Life Alliance; and the USO.Am a coordinator for charity dinners which fund youth educational programs.
Why are you running for a seat on the board? To be your voice in local government, a true Voice of the People in this unique village. Sincerely listen and acknowledge legitimate concerns of the residents and those questions asked be answered truthfully and in a timely fashion. To bring decorum and civility back to Village meetings. Work with all Highland Falls residents/businesses to promote smart growth and pledge to serve the people in the entire community to the best of my abilities.
What qualifications would you say make you a good candidate to represent the village residents? I listen to both side of a situation and arrive at an educated conclusion. Being a previous trustee; and serving on and as chairman of the Village Planning Board and Consolidated Town Planning and Zoning Boards will help me move us forward. My work in land planning and development – striving to preserve lands while promoting smart growth that facilitates positive economic impacts – and classes at Orange County Planning Department, Syracuse and Cornell Universities in storm water management, are a benefit.
What do you hope to accomplish if elected? To invest your tax dollars wisely so you see a positive return on your investment by improving curb appeal of the residential streets. Also: work on infrastructure projects both above and below ground; continue O&R LED street lighting program (no cost to the taxpayers and cuts the village’s energy bill); expand National Outdoor Day programs, especially for children. I’ll work on implementing a Waterfront overlay district which could bring economic growth to the community. I’ll support all Village departments and personnel.
What are your thoughts on the village election being run locally versus by Orange County? A letter to the editor on March 3rd by Mrs. Lewis, along with a statement made at a Village board meeting by another election worker summed it up. These women and men who run our village elections are well qualified personnel; their commitment is unparalleled as they put in long hours, before, during and after the polls close. My Vote on this issue is a positive NO.
