3 candidates seek seats on New Lebanon council

Marianna Anthonisen, Britt Buckenroth and Kevin Smith Sr. will be on the ballot. The responses to a candidate questionnaire are presented in alphabetical order.

Name: Marianna Anthonisen

Age: 48

Family: Joel Priest, 69; Jasper Priest, 19, and Mateo Priest, 16

How long you have lived in the county: 13 years

Occupation: Education, caregiver

Are you an incumbent: No

Party line on ballot: Democratic, endorsed by Vote Mama and Working Families Party

College: B.A. from University at Albany

What do you think is the top issue facing your community? What would you do to address this issue if elected?

While campaigning and speaking with New Lebanon’s constituents I am listening to many of the ideas and hopes that residents would like to see. I would like to give incentive to business that can expand on affordable access to healthy foods and staples. I would like to support community programs, for all ages, in the park and work to get a town community center. I will continue to support the Climate Smart Committee’s goals to be climate prepared as we plan for the impacts of weather and viruses.

Why do you think you will be a good trustee? If you are a newcomer, what are you looking forward to accomplishing if elected?

As a woman, interracial family and a LGBTQIA+ Ally, I believe that diversity is essential to a community’s health and expansions of ideas. I look forward to continuing creating an environment where community members have support to speak up about the safety and well-being of our town members and that town events continue to be inclusive to diversity. I look forward to continuing the vision New Lebanon’s history shows a place of community and equity.

Name: Britt Buckenroth

Age: 46

Family: Husband, William Buckenroth; children Liam, 16, and Finn, 12

How long you have lived in the county: I have owned a house in Columbia County for 10 years, but my family has had a house here for 35 years.

Occupation: High school library media specialist

Are you an incumbent: No

Party line on ballot: Democrat, Working Family, Vote Mama

College: SUNY Fredonia (B.A. English/Education); SUNY Albany (MLS - Master of Library Science)

What do you think is the top issue facing your community? What would you do to address this issue if elected?

One of the top issues facing our community is a lack of access to fresh, affordable food. We have a wonderful small market that has just opened and if elected, I would like to see the market expand and be able to offer a wider variety of food for our community.

Why do you think you will be a good trustee? If you are a newcomer, what are you looking forward to accomplishing if elected?

I think I will be a good town board member because I truly care about this community and its people. As the high school librarian, I have come to know the young people we are sending out into the world. If elected, I want to ensure that our town has the resources for families to be successful, such as outdoor spaces for play and programming, access to a number of resources such as high speed internet, groceries, and jobs. I am truly looking forward to working with the people of our town to keep New Lebanon a great place to live.

Name: Kevin C. Smith Sr.

Age: 55

Family: Daughter Jeanie Smith, son Kevin Smith Jr., and granddaughter Eva

How long you have lived in the county: 37 years

Occupation: Business owner of Smithy’s Pub since 1997

Are you an incumbent: No

Party line on ballot: Voice of the People

Previous elected office: Town board member 2015-19

What do you think is the top issue facing your community? What would you do to address this issue if elected?

While there are many issues facing the community, I believe unity within the town elected officials and employees is vital. as well as unity with the constituents is important. The various boards need a balance of opinion and not voices of just one side throughout the town. Fiscal responsibility. Asset management. Bringing our park back to where we can be proud of it again.

Why do you think you will be a good trustee? What are you most proud of accomplishing if you hold office? If you are a newcomer, what are you looking forward to accomplishing if elected?

I will be a good board member due to my communication skill set and transparency as well as willing to work with anyone to better our town. As having served our town, the knowledge I bring being a former board member and bringing honesty, transparency and integrity to our town’s people.

Working with the Historical Society to bring clean water that you can fill your jugs wih next to the lndian Head Fountain at the Town Hall.

Oversaw extensive construction on the recreational platform of our park tennis court, basketball court, sidewalks by the pavilion. Started the new bathroom project.

The fruit orchard in the park. Now you can pick some fruit when you visit the park.

Worked on asset management for the town assets.

Helped to update the highway vehicles and equipment/fuel tank.

Maintaining our assets on a yearly basis so they last like they should.