Woodbury

What follows are the responses from Ralph Caruso and David Sutz to a questionnaire from The Photo News. The candidates are listed in alphabetical order:

Ralph Caruso
Biography
I am a resident of Woodbury for 44 years with my wife Jeanette and family. My biography includes, superintendent of operations for the MTA, New York State Senate staff, small business proprietor, consulting and management, Notary Public, Town councilman, Board of Police Commissioners, Board of Health, Zoning Board of Appeals chairman, Architectural Review Board, Orange County Human Rights Commission and a United States Naval Air veteran. I have a bachelor of science degree in business management.

I am a present or former member of the Woodbury Community Association, Woodbury Field and Stream Club, Woodbury American Legion Post 779, Catholic War Veterans Post 1923, St. Patrick’s Church, Woodbury Historical Society, Fraternal Order of Police, Citizens for the Preservation of Woodbury, Woodbury Memorial Day Parade Committee, People of Woodbury Association, M/W Girls Softball League and Black Rock Fish & Game Club.

What are you running?
I believe my in-depth experience, proven history and dedication fighting for our residents protecting Woodbury’s quality of community life is my foundation for being a town supervisor that will represent all the Woodbury residents first and foremost.

What is the most pressing issue facing Woodbury and what can you do about it?

Kiryas Joel’s annexation attempts of Woodbury land and encroachment to build high density housing.

I will continue to strongly oppose and deny all annexation attempts and vigorously use every legal venue and action available to stop it, even taking it to the U.S. Supreme Court if necessary, along with continuing to fight the KJ Pipeline.

David Sutz
Biography
As a Woodbury resident for more than 23 years, Maria and I raised four children here. I’m an active volunteer EMT with WCA for 17 years; 12-plus years with the Woodbury Community Association. Coached baseball, soccer, basketball and the challenger/VIP leagues. I’m a Burger King Franchisee operating stores in Westchester and Dutchess counties, allowing gainful experience in working with multiple municipalities.

What are you running?
I will provide honest effective business friendly leadership to meet future challenges. As a full time Supervisor, available 24/7, I will work to improve our quality of life and maintain our high level of services, adapting proven business principles to contain spending and keep taxes down. Working with the Town Board, town departments & employees as well as the Mayor & Village Board, I will continue to expand the exceptional level of cooperation between us.

What is the most pressing issue facing Woodbury and what can you do about it?

The aggressive development strategies of our neighbors, who seek to annex land in Woodbury to circumvent our zoning. This not only causes serious environmental issues but would effectively strip away many of our existing natural resources.

My response has always been and will continue to be: Not on my watch.

My uncompromising approach was instrumental in securing a legal victory defeating a previous annexation attempt by that same group.