Final Statement of Jason Chapin, candidate for Town Board

Monday, November 7, 2011
by Jason Chapin

I am looking forward to returning to the Town Board. I come to this election as a candidate with passion, qualifications, and experience, and vision.

My passion is shaped by my history. My parents were active in the town I grew up in and I learned early on about commitment to community. My wife and I moved to New Castle almost 15 years ago because we loved everything about this town from the schools and neighborhoods to the parades and parks and people. This town has been a wonderful place for us to raise our three children.

That’s why I joined the Housing Advisory Committee the year we moved here. Two years later I ran for and was elected to the Town Board. I learned what it takes to run a town day to day and what goes into planning for the future. Some of the things I accomplished include renovating the Community Center, Senior Center, Art Center, Town Hall and the train station. I was also behind adding athletic fields at Gedney and Amsterdam and building the skate park. And, I paved the way for sidewalks along Rt. 133 in Millwood and Rt. 120 in Chappaqua and the purchase and preservation of more than 200 acres of open space.

In addition to my involvement in town government, I’ve been a basketball coach and I still coach baseball and soccer. As well, I’m a longstanding member of New Castle CARES, a coalition of community groups and leaders dedicated to making New Castle a better place for children and families. In addition, I serve as a deacon at my church, treasurer of the Harry Chapin Foundation, and board president of the Child Care Council of Westchester. 

I’m running for Town Board again because I care dearly about this town. I know that my experience, record, skills and perspective would greatly benefit the town and Town Board.

If elected, I will focus on five things:

1. Attract new businesses, help grow existing businesses and maximize the commercial use of Chappaqua Crossing

2. Increase and improve communications between residents and businesses and the Town and encourage more input and involvement of all parties

3. Enhance collaboration between the Town and School boards and look for ways to share services and reduce costs. Those savings can be passed on to residents in the form of lower taxes.

4. Maintain high quality programs, services, facilities and our infrastructure

5. Minimize taxes by reducing costs and seeking more aid and grants from Albany and the county

I also want the voters to know that I oppose the Ward System Referendum and agree with the League of Women Voter’s analysis that it would not be in the best interest our town.

I’ve spent many hours talking to neighbors and residents about our town and related issues. Our residents love living here and feel our town has a lot to offer. At the same time, residents want more information and input and consideration regarding important town matters. This can be accomplished by having more frequent and informal meetings with residents to share ideas and concerns. The town website will soon be updated and it will be easier for residents to stay informed and involved. More media coverage and use of social media could help. Better communication would limit lots of misinformation that is best characterized by the recent rumor that a tattoo parlor is moving into Indigo’s old space. Town Code § 114-2 prohibits any such thing.

I’m glad residents have a choice of candidates this election and I think the NCCMC Candidate’s Forum, League of Women Voters Candidates Night and local media coverage has helped to compare and contrast the candidates and their positions. In the end, some people think this election is about parties and politics. I think it’s about experience, accomplishments and visions. I’m eager to return to the Town Board. Please vote for me on November 8. I will do my part to make sure that New Castle remains the best town in Westchester.

Jason Chapin
Candidate for Town Board