Who will lead Greenwood Lake?

GREENWOOD LAKE — More than 200 people were seated while dozens stood to hear Barbara Moore and Jesse Dwyer discuss what each would do as mayor during last Friday night’s forum at the Greenwood Lake Elementary School.

Dare Thompson, president of the non-partisan League of Women Voters of the Mid-Hudson Region, moderated the event between Moore, who has been mayor for six years, and Dwyer, a first-term village trustee.

The election will be held on Tuesday, March 19, from noon until 9 p.m. at the Senior Center located at 132 Windermere Ave.

The candidates answered more than a dozen questions submitted by members of the audience before making their closing statements. Here is how the candidates responded:

Recreation
The forum began with a question about tailoring village-sponsored activities to the interests of residents. Moore, who got to answer first, said that recreation has grown under her leadership and now includes upgraded playgrounds and sports fields, more swimming and shuffleboard that people of all ages can play. She also has plans for a skateboard park and guided hiking and walking tours.

Dwyer, who grew up hunting, fishing and playing football, said “more can be done through inclusivity” and wants residents to join committees.

Service
Residents asked how each served the community prior to being elected to public office.

Dwyer said he coached rowing and tutored.

Moore said she joined the chamber of commerce, attended village board meetings and helped bring back organized events such as July 4th fireworks.

Protecting the lake
Although Moore and Dwyer agreed that the lake is the valuable asset, they disagreed on how best to protect it.

“The money we’ve invested in aerators could have been invested toward dredging,” said Dwyer, an assertion with which Moore disagreed based on cost.

Dwyer countered by saying Nan Hayworth would help secure funding for dredging; Moore reminded him that Hayworth no longer holds congressional office.

Municipal water
According to Dwyer, Moore misspent $2 million at the municipal water plant that continues to discharge backwash water into the wetlands. Backwash is a process that extends the life of water filters.

The mayor acknowledged problems with the clarifiers but denied illegal discharge of backwash.

And while Dwyer claimed that the mayor’s upgrades have done nothing to improve water quality and clarity, the mayor said the plant no longer is producing discolored water because of the professionals she hired to run it.

Leadership style
Residents asked about their individual leadership styles and effective government.

“I was a trustee for two terms and I worked with my mayor and we didn’t get along all the time but I was involved and brought ideas and concepts and I worked for my money,” said Moore.

The mayor said the current board “shutdown” last year, an assertion with which Dwyer did not disagree. Instead he laid blame squarely on Moore but said little beyond listening about his own style.

Seniors and youth
Voters wanted to hear how each candidate would reach out to seniors and youth.

Moore stood by her record of improving conditions at the senior center, hiring its coordinator and expanding programming. She said her work has made playgrounds safe and that she wants to add a skateboard park to Lions Field.

Dwyer said he loves talking to seniors and a grant from his Elks Lodge helps to feed them. According to Dwyer, the village has “plenty of things for kids to do not because of government but because of civic organizations.”

Both candidates oppose cutting hours at the senior center that is open five days a week.

Economic development
One question asked both candidates about their vision for the business district.

Dwyer said he encourages supporting local merchants but also that the village needs innovation.

Moore spoke of long hours spent at Village Hall and securing a tenant for a building that sits at the gateway to the village something she hopes will motivate others to landscape and beautify their buildings. According to Moore, the company’s 170 employees will also support local merchants.

Police
Neither candidate supports consolidation of the Greenwood Lake and Warwick police departments.

Taxes and debt
According to the mayor, in 2007 she inherited a budget with an 18-percent increase but has kept a nearly flat – 1.4-percent, according to her campaign – tax levy since.

“You had a say in the 18-percent increase,” said Dwyer about the mayor being a trustee at the time. Moore suggested that she was outvoted.

Closing statements
Throughout the evening Moore seldom strayed from promoting her record or message that she represents proven leadership especially in hard financial times. She closed by speaking about learning real life lessons and overcoming adversity. “I was twelve when my father died. My mom was a waitress and supported us with love and little income,” she said, “so I learned to do a lot with very little and to work hard.”

In his closing statement ,Dwyer apologized for his face getting red during the evening once more drawing attention away from his message and onto his demeanor. He closed by saying he is building his business and raising his family in Greenwood Lake and that he graduated from the top of his college class. Dwyer emphasized his belief in “passionate listening” and that he represents “new leadership.”

By Birgit Bogler