2009 Democratic Platform

1. We support the creation of a balanced and sensible line-item budget. Every citizen should be able to read the budget and understand how his or her tax dollars are being spent. We also strongly support the idea of developing a five-year financial plan which prepares the town for future needs by building reserves.

2. Your Democratic team supports and is currently promoting a town-wide referendum on the Copake Green project. This 122 acres of prime agricultural land must be protected. We encourage the Town Board of Copake to express strong opposition to this project. The future of the hamlet is at stake.

3. We support the long-term development of Copake as a sustainable community. Copake should be both environmentally protected and economically viable thus guaranteeing the same quality of life to all who live here now and for future generations. Copake also needs to be a cohesive community. Whether you live and work here full time or are only able to spend part of your time in our wonderful community, you all help make us who we are. And you all have a voice in this community.

4. We are totally committed to open government through strict adherence to Open Meeting Law and full communication with the public at all times. An informed public is the bedrock and strength of our community.

5. We support the development of intelligent alternative energies in the Town of Copake including solar, wind and hydropower.

6. We support and will pursue fair and equitable property assessments for all. This has been neglected for far too long.

7. We believe town government should enthusiastically encourage the efforts of local citizen groups and business people to economically revitalize our community.
8. We strongly support our agricultural heritage, recognizing that farmland preservation is the key to protecting our open spaces.

9. Recognizing the contributions our seniors make to the community, we support initiatives which will assist our seniors in remaining within and contributing to our community.

10. We will continue the on-going fight to protect our environment and to develop a plan for the conservation of our agricultural land and our precious water resources.