Patch Candidate Profile: Williams Seeks Re-Election In Patterson

PATTERSON, NY — Election season 2023 election is here and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

Richard Williams Sr., the Patterson Town Supervisor, is being challenged for the post by Michael J. Sudol. Williams, who trained and practiced for 25 years as an arborist, became the town planner, a role in which he served for 16 years, and then was elected as Supervisor for two terms. The 70-year-old graduated from Brewster schools.

Campaign website: www.PattersonFirst.com

Patch: Why are you seeking this office?

Williams: To give back to my community and finish the projects that I, and the Town Board have been started. These include providing a new water supply to Front Street to encourage its redevelopment with shops, and restaurants; the construction of a new building to house the Town’s EMS Service and addressing several issues with the Putnam Lake Park District.

Patch: What are the major differences between you and the other candidate seeking this post?

Williams: Experience. I have over 30 years serving the Town, and the education that come with that regarding State and federal regulations, finance and government administration. My opponent total experience is from his attendance at a couple of Town Board meetings.

Patch: What is the single most pressing issue facing your constituents and what do you intend to do about it?

Williams: The high taxes in New York which force families to relocate to other, more affordable states. In eight budgets that I have prepared, all eight have been under the 2% Tax Cap.

Patch: How would you address the affordable housing issue in the community?

Williams: We have addressed the affordable housing issue through appropriate zoning; allowing residential units over commercial buildings in our village center near the train station, and by providing for construction of multifamily housing located in appropriate areas.

Patch: How would you protect the drinking water in the community?

Williams: Drinking water in the Town of Patterson comes from groundwater wells. The Town of Patterson has completed a study on our groundwater resources to help guide us towards establishing the right standards for its protection. Groundwater protection is principally achieved through appropriate zoning. The density of residential development must be such that septic systems do not pollute the aquifer. Commercial projects must be limited to those that don’t have the potential to release toxic chemicals. All of which we have currently addressed in Patterson’s zoning.

Patch: What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

Williams: There are two principal issues I would like to complete if re-elected. The first is providing a public water supply to Front Street so that we can encourage the appropriate type of development.

The second issue is improving the condition of Putnam Lake to a healthy waterbody. Presently the Lake is too shallow, and is plagued by excessive nutrients.

Patch: What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

Williams: During my tenure with the Town I have produced eight budgets all under the 2% tax cap. I have been intimately involved in the construction of a new Town Hall, new Recreation Center, new Courthouse, and a new 80,000 gpd wastewater treatment plant. I have managed over $16 million in grants for the Town of Patterson. In May of 2018 Patterson had one of the worst storms ever which left nearly every road blocked by trees, and no electricity anywhere in Town. 213 NYSEG utility poles were broken and on the ground. We reopened every road, replaced all the utility poles and turned the power back on in six days.

Patch: Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

Williams: For more information about myself and my positions go to https://www.PattersonFirst.com