Meet the Candidate: Roger Gross

Patch reached out to candidates running for positions in and around the area. In District 6 of the Putnam County Legislature, Democrat John McCarron is taking on incumbent Roger Gross, a Republican. 

The district covers the Town of Southeast.

Here are the questions, along with responses from Gross, 66. He's a retired Brewster High School teacher and a retired lieutenant colonel with the US Air Force.

Patch: Why did you decide to run for election?

Gross:  I decided to run for a full term as a legislator from District 6 after having been elected last year to fill the unexpired term of Legislator [Tony] Hay. I would like to continue to serve the residents of Southeast. As chairman of the Protective Services Committee, I look forward in 2014 to the challenges and needs of our residents and the county as a whole.  

Patch: What personal or professional experiences qualify you to serve?

Gross: As a teacher, I taught government and economics for many years. I had the opportunity to serve on the Brewster Board of Education for three terms. I worked on budgets, audits and, along with my colleagues, made critical decisions toward advancing the school district. I served on the Southeast Town Board for one term and was elected to a second term when I was appointed to the legislature. I have gained considerable experience learning from my colleagues at all levels.

Patch: What are the top three issues facing residents?

Gross: Taxes, development, jobs

Patch: Describe your campaign platform or how you differentiate yourself from your opponents' platforms?

Patch: Should you be elected, what would you like to achieve over the course of your term?

Gross: Expansion of the women's jail, high tech industry locating in Putnam, maintaining a strong tax base to keep out local taxes affordable.           

Patch: Is there anything we haven't asked that you would like the public to know about you or your candidacy?