From the Mayor’s Office: Reorg 2023

From the Mayor’s Office – April 3, 2023

 Reorg 2023

Spring is a time of renewal. A moment to take stock, assess, reframe. We do that in our lives but also it is done in local government. This evening is the first Village Board meeting of the month and like all villages throughout New York State, the first meeting in April is a reorganizational meeting. This is a critical meeting, it’s when official contracts are renewed, appointments are established, and when Trustees are given their liaison roles and focus for the coming year. It is also the meeting that newly elected officials take their oath of office and begin their term. Tonight, Mary Collura will be sworn in and begin her service to our community as a trustee. I would like to congratulate Mary on her win at the polls. I’m looking forward to working with her and believe she will bring unique talents and skills to the Board. Thank you to Bill Lindberg who was a pinch hitter on the Board for 7 months! Bill was appointed to fill a vacancy which was until a formal election could be scheduled. In a short window of time, Bill worked on numerous policies including regulations for Short Term Rentals and rewriting our Ethics policy.

This is also the end of the first year for Trustees Carly Foster and Tom McKnight. I want to thank them for their excellent work and service. Both Carly and Tom were instrumental in finalizing the Village’s Comprehensive Master Plan. Carly has been spearheading multiple projects such as the Memorial Park Master Plan, rewriting the Film Code as well as significant grant opportunities. Tom’s work on Climate Smart Communities designation garnered us a Bronze status. We are the first municipality in Orange County to receive this designation.

There has been a great deal of internal activity at Village Hall. An election involves a tremendous amount of focus, the details leading up to the actual day were very carefully administered by our Village Clerk, Raina Abramson. I am grateful for her level of professionalism and sense of responsibility. Thank you as well to the men and women who manned the polls. We appreciate your valuable service. Beyond the intense activities that surround the election, Raina was also working on a Records Management Grant – multi-tasking as an extreme sport! Thank you, Raina.

This is simply a snapshot of good work being accomplished and is the foundation of effective governance. There is more to come.

On behalf of the Village Board of Trustees, I wish our Jewish friends and neighbors a blessed Passover, and on behalf of the Village Board, I also wish a very Happy Easter to our Christian friends and neighbors.

The annual Easter Egg Hunt sponsored by the Village of Warwick and the Warwick Fire Department will be Saturday, April 8, 2023, 10:00 am at Memorial Park. The Easter Bunny will be making an appearance, all are welcome.

Photo of Lenten Roses taken by Mayor Michael J. Newhard