My name is Robert Blais, and I am pleased to announce that I am running for election again this year for Councilman in the Town of Bethel. I was appointed to the Board in June to fill the vacancy left by the sudden passing of our good friend Richard Crumley. It has been an honor for me to once again have had this opportunity to serve the town.

I have lived in Bethel all my life, and have been married to my wife Linda for 37 years. We have two married grown children, and are proud grandparents of four grandchildren. I have 16 years of experience on the Bethel Town Board, which includes an ongoing working knowledge of the issues that are facing our town right now. I was also the deputy supervisor for five years, had four years on the Planning Board, and three times past chief of the Kauneonga Lake Fire Department. I have 45 years of service in the fire department, am a disabled veteran and served two tours of duty in Vietnam.

As a board member, I have helped to keep our town taxes as low as we can. For the last five years, we have had the lowest tax increases in the county during very difficult times. We keep taxes down to help the farmers and the hard-working families in our town who are struggling. My home is in the farm district, and I have always tried to balance the needs of the whole town and to represent all residents.

I know the issues and have extensive experience on the board. I have worked with all businesses in Bethel, and will continue to try to attract commercial and residential growth to help our tax base. Over the years, I have helped to update our laws, codes, procedures and ways of doing business. This town is growing and has a great positive future. I will always be open, honest and available, and will be a hard-working advocate for our town.

The town needs experience and proven leadership at this time. I am proudly running on the Republican, Conservative and Independence Party lines this year. Please feel free to call me with any questions or comments, and I ask for your support again on Election Day.

Bob Blais

Bethel, NY