Candidate Profiles — Pine Plains 2011

Name: Gregg Pulver
Age: 48
Town: Pine Plains
Years lived in town: 48
Occupation/background: Owner of A. Pulver Trucking and Farm
Marital status, children: Married with one 20-year-old daughter
Position running for, term length: Town supervisor, two-year term
Political party: Republican
Running on what lines: Republican
Names of boards served in past and present:  Planning Board, two years; Conservation Advisory Committee (CAC), one year; Board of Assessment Review, two years; Pine Plains Central School District Board of Education, six years; Sharon Hospital Board of Trustees, two years; Wappinger Watershed Intermunicipal Council, four years; Town Board, 12 years (supervisor since 2000).

In 100 words or less, explain what you think is the biggest issue facing your town and how you plan on addressing that once in office.

I believe the economy will be the largest issue facing Pine Plains in the upcoming years. With the state imposed 2 percent tax cap, it is going to force the board to look for more efficient ways to maintain the services currently offered. Throughout 12 years of town budget preparation I have always been able to expand programs, such as recreation, the library, public safety and infrastructure, while maintaining a modest tax increase. I will look to continue to improve the town services by seeking even more alternative funding sources in order to keep taxes low and services stable.

Have you served in this position before and for how long?  

Twelve years as Pine Plains town supervisor.

What makes your town special in comparison to the whole of Dutchess County?  

Pine Plains has never lost its small town charm. It is a true community; the people of Pine Plains make it special. Whether it be Memorial Day, the Parade of Lights, the Ag Fair or a firehouse breakfast, the people of Pine Plains have a strong sense of community spirit and always pull together to support a worthy or important cause. 

What makes you most qualified for the job?  

The job of town supervisor may be a part-time office, but it is a full-time job commitment. The days of working out of town full-time and being a productive town supervisor are long gone.  Countless meetings are scheduled during the workday and there are occasional emergencies that demand the supervisor’s presence. With a state-imposed 2 percent tax cap, it’s more imperative than ever the supervisor be knowledgeable in the budget process and alternative funding sources. I will maintain a fiscally sound operating budget and reasonable town taxes. Twenty years’ experience with municipal budgets places me as the forerunner.

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