Means not letting the divisive and corrosive tenor of the national conversation disrupt our work in Chatham.

Means being civil with each other because we have to work together.

Means being laser-focused on what is best for Chatham and its future.

We value our farms and agriculture, rural character and natural beauty.  We cherish and respect our entire community.

But, Chatham faces challenges that require serious attention, and there is no time to waste. Dems are committed to:

• Strengthening Town Governance

  • We believe responsibility for overseeing Chatham’s government must be shared equally by all members of the Board, pursuant to New York law.  There is no chief executive officer.

  • We believe guardrails are critical — who can make decisions, who can act on behalf of Chatham, and who is accountable  for how the Board and town employees perform.

  • We believe constructive engagement from Chatham’s residents — whether in Board meetings or through public comment — is just as important as what the Board does. 

  • We believe in listening to the diverse voices of Chatham’s Board Advisory Committees.  We need to hear all perspectives.

• Looking For Housing Solutions

  • We believe recent zoning changes aren’t enough - we need to aggressively push for the use of Chatham owned land in the development of affordable housing.

  • We believe Chatham should work with the Village and Ghent — our neighboring towns, and the County — to look for opportunities to collaborate on development of housing.

  • We believe Chatham should seek the advice of housing professionals (engineers, consultants) that can help get this work done.

• Thoughtful Planning

  • We believe in prioritizing Chatham’s outstanding needs, but considering estimated costs, in developing a reasonable, responsible budget.

  • We believe in helping local businesses flourish, as the Board did in establishing the Board Advisory Financial Planning & Economic Development Committee.

• Developing A Solid Solar Program

  • We believe in supporting the effort to offset Chatham’s energy costs by installing solar collectors on town properties, wherever possible.

  • We believe in drafting a solar law that provides the best protection for Chatham and its rural character, while recognizing that the State has significant authority on the issue.

• Enhancing Public Safety

  • We believe past efforts on speeding have helped, but more work needs to be done.  We will pursue increased enforcement of posted speed limits in Chatham. 

Find out what's happening in the Town of Chatham government!

Town Board meetings are scheduled the 

first and third Thursdays 

of every month.

Anyone can attend in person or online.

Meeting agendas and information

on how to access the Town Board meetings

online are found on the Town of Chatham calendar on the

date for each meeting.

**************

The Town of Chatham website includes a wealth of information.

Find information on the ongoing work of:

• Town Government Departments and Services 

• Working boards:

• Planning Board

• Zoning Board of Appeals

• Community Preservation Fund Advisory Board

•  Citizen Advisory Committees 

For current employment opportunities with the Town of Chatham 

AND

 current volunteer openings on Citizen Advisory Committees, click here.