Sweeton wants four more years to lead the town onward

Warwick — Without hesitation, Michael Sweeton looks back over his past six years as supervisor and points to the way the town’s government works as his proudest accomplishment. “We have been able to streamline government,” he said. “We are doing more today with the same amount of people. And we think collectively with the villages. We have strong ties to all three villages. That bodes well for all of us.” Sweeton is running for his third term as supervisor of the Town of Warwick (his first term was two years; then town terms were increased to four years). He also points to the expansion of recreational opportunities for kids in the town and a new center for senior citizens, as well as the increase of services. “We have expanded sports facilities at Union Corners Road and completed the beautiful Waterfront Park in Greenwood Lake,” said Sweeton. “And seniors are grateful for our expanding the Dial-A-Bus services and for the senior center. It’s very gratifying.” Looking ahead, Sweeton sees the struggle to maintain a low tax rate as his top priority. There are many challenges, he said, including the rising costs of health care and worker’s compensation. Close seconds on his list are to examine every aspect of the zoning regulations, and to put the Community Preservation Fund into action. These two tasks are intertwined with the development of new and expanded businesses, which will help generate the taxes the town needs, Sweeton said. Sweeton already is getting the process in gear to look at the current zoning to make sure it’s in accord with the comprehensive plan and the ideas of community residents. “We appointed a review committee to look at the comprehensive plan. That’s the first step in revamping the zoning, if revamping is needed,” Sweeton said. “It’s a similar group to the original representatives from the villages and from citizens at large, as well from the planning board, the architectural review board and the conservation board. The review committee should be finished with its analysis by the end of December. Then we can do the zoning. It’s a slow process. You have to do it properly.” His goal for the zoning, aside from keeping with the comprehensive plan, is to maintain the rural quality of the town. “You don’t do anything drastic without laying the groundwork,” he said. “I’m happy we’re doing that.” What Sweeton may be best known for is his staunch support and leadership of the expansion of the town’s purchase-of-development-rights program. The town electorate approved the initial measure before Sweeton was in office. Since he was elected, the town has expanded the scope of the program and has put the community preservation fund into operation, ensuring that a percentage from all real estate transactions is deposited in an account dedicated to purchases of development rights. Sweeton, a Republican, is a lifelong resident of Warwick. He and his wife, Deborah, have owned Technigrowers Greenhouses since 1983. Sweeton earned a Bachelor of Science in engineering from Clarkson University and a master’s degree in business administration from Manhattan College. His community service in Warwick includes memberships in the Jaycees, Rotary, Chamber of Commerce, Historical Society, Orange County Farmland Protection Task Force, and Orange County Planning Board. Orange Environment named him the 2003 Responsible Government Official of the Year. “My only goal is to keep making this a great place,” he said. “It comes from the heart.”