Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Going West

By: Curtis Schick
He said he is a big fan of zoning problems and waste water treatment issues. And as our Curtis Schick shows us, the former mayor forever linked to much bigger issue - gay marriage - is throwing his hat back into the ring.

NEW PALTZ, N.Y. -- On a rainy Sunday afternoon, inside a restaurant on Main Street in New Paltz, you find a campaign season in full swing. The fundraiser asking price is small. Ten dollars is the suggested donation at the door. Thirty-six bucks gets you a free drink. It's all to support Jason West, the former small village Mayor who will is always tied to one big issue.

"I have a track record of taking principled stances, but also getting things done," said West.
Nearly seven years ago, West married dozens of gay couples. He was arrested, but later charges were dropped. It put West and the village of around 6,000 in the spotlight. But on election day 2007, New York State's first Green Party member elected mayor was bounced. Published reports at the time gave a variety of reasons - politics, maturity, asking for a raise, Ralph Nader.

"I don't regret any of the issues or policies I put forward," said West.

The 34-year-old painter says time off did him some good. He said he wants to finish the things he started four years ago - a traffic study for Route 32 among them. And while he does not walk away from the big issues tackled back then, he said he cares about the small ones too.

"I really do enjoy how the sewer plant works and finding ways we can make it better," said West.
Former Trustee Pete Healey is also running. Election day is May 3rd.

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