Barry J. Cheney

| 29 Sep 2011 | 01:05

    Age: 58 Family: Three adult children: Brad, Brendan and Kristin Profession: Professional engineer practicing in civil/environmental discipline Education: BS in civil and environmental engineering, Clarkson University Village of Warwick resident: 29 years (21 on Pond Hill, eight in Homestead Village) Previous elected or appointed office: Village of Warwick: 22 years on Planning Board (including six years as chairman); Central Place Strategy Committee; Comprehensive Master Plan Committee; Zoning Ordinance Revision Committee; Memorial Park Master Plan Committee. Also, Orange County Sewer Advisory Committee (1988-90). Volunteer activities: Warwick Little League 20 years serving as a coach, manager, commissioner and currently board director; Warwick Valley Central School District - Space Needs Advisory Committee (1993, 1996-98); Communications Committee (1997) which led to successful referendum to build Sanfordville School and addition to high school; Athletic Program Advisory Committee; Orange Sullivan Chapter NY Society of Professional Engineers - chapter president; Warwick United Methodist Church - leadership positions (trustee, administrative board, nominating and finance); and Warwick Ecumenical Council Holiday Basket Program - 10-year volunteer. n Candidate’s statement: I chose to run because I believe I have a unique skill set for the position resulting from my knowledge of the Village gained during 22 years on the Planning Board, my career skills as an engineer and my experience as a manager for a $16,000,000 engineering service business. n Question: What do you think is the most important issue facing the village right now? Why? A: Controlling spending so that it stays in line with tax revenues is critical. One aspect is our aging infrastructure and the potentially significant costs to maintain and upgrade it. Understanding its condition now and developing a plan that would reduce costly emergency repairs is vital to controlling spending. n Give three primary goals for your term of office on the Village Board. How do you intend to achieve them? A: Control tax increases by sound budgeting, management and planning. Develop an infrastructure management program by working with Public Works Superintendent and Village’s Engineer. Expand intergovernmental sharing of equipment and resources to eliminate duplication leading to reduced costs by working with colleagues at the Town, County and State levels. n What will you bring to the office of trustee that will make the Village of Warwick a better place in which to live and to do business? I bring a broad background that has included planning, public works, infrastructure, parks, youth recreation and business expertise, an open mind to new ideas and the ability to question and evaluate issues to determine what is best for the Village. I also have strong working relationships with our Town, County and State elected officials that will aid in receiving cooperation and assistance.