Three candidates for two seats

Late entry makes it a board race

By Mio Moser | Manor Ink

Livingston Manor, NY – As Election Day approaches, the race for one of the two seats on the Town Board of Rockland took an unexpected turn when Elizabeth Williams, a local entrepreneur, launched a write-in campaign for one of the two seats to be filled in this year’s election. Williams’ opponents will be current council members Andrew McRell and Christine Routledge, who are running for re-election.

The challenger in the race

Elizabeth Williams is the new entrant into the race, running as a write-in candidate. ”I’ve been coming to this area since I was a little child, and it’s been a very special place for me,” Williams said. In 2020, she moved to Sullivan County full-time. She co-owns the High Meadow Project with her husband and has three daughters who now attend Livingston Manor Central School.

”I am running because I want to get involved with the community, where we are building our life and business,” Williams said. Her immediate goal is to connect with all segments of the community. She hopes to listen, engage and ensure people feel safe sharing their thoughts on issues that are problematic.

Long term aspirations of Williams’ campaign include pondering potential solutions to the ubiquitous parking issue in the hamlet as well as ensuring that every town resident has access to everyday necessities, such as a pharmacy or laundromat. One thing she said she wanted to explore if elected is priority or designated parking for local residents.

Despite initially having considered an entry into the race in February, Williams said she was too busy with other commitments. But with the gentle encouragement of others, she said, “It seemed my resistance melted away.” So she felt that the time was right to enter the race.

A desire to continue the work

Andy McRell is running for a second term on the Town Board. A union laborer and currently Deputy Supervisor, he first ran four years ago after observing that the opening of multiple new businesses was bringing about a revival of the Town of Rockland. It was a revival he wanted to be part of. His motivation for seeking re-election is rooted in his desire to continue that work.

McRell also sees the challenges posed by parking in the hamlet and he hopes to work with the board to “clean up” the illegal parking and dangerous intersections. To accomplish this, he would coordinate the solution with business owners.

McRell also sees there’s a housing issue in the town, and hopes to work together with multiple parties to create more affordable housing. He also believes strongly in the O&W Rail Trail, which he believes will give residents an opportunity for more outdoor leisure.

A champion of development

Christine Routledge is also running for a second term. A regional bank manager, Routledge was raised in Sullivan County and moved back to the area after spending a few years in England.

“I missed the Catskills and the small-town feel,” she said. Her main projects involve beautification and grant applications, including the development of the River Walk in Roscoe, with its adjoining dog park and disc golf course.

She has also been working to connect the businesses as well as furthering the “walkability” of Roscoe, with the recent improvements in the alleyway between Stewart and Union streets. Routledge has also worked to secure a part-time town position with a former employee, who will be responsible for keeping Roscoe clean and litter-free, especially in the area around the river.

Routledge said she would like to see the town continue to avail itself of grants to beautify both Livingston Manor and Roscoe, and to ensure that youth have places to use and feel safe. She, too, is a strong supporter of the O&W Rail Trail and other health initiatives.