A look at Milton's Future

Thursday, May 17, 2012

BY SAM CAPUANO
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When Dan Lewza took over the reins as Town Supervisor in Milton in January, there was a sense of optimism. Much of it was due to the promise of some much needed change. There were many who felt Milton was not keeping up with the times as Saratoga County was moving forward. When I talked to the then Supervisor-elect just prior to his inauguration, he mentioned some promising ideas he had about increased commerce in the area around the airport.

There is no question improvements are needed. Milton is growing and changing. Over the past decade or so, new housing developments have sprung up, bringing new residents into the town. These residents have to eat and shop somewhere, and in many instances they have to travel to Saratoga Springs, Wilton or Malta to do so. This, among other things, causes a loss of sales tax revenue to the town, which, like every other municipality, is sorely in need of additional revenue.

Lewza Reinstates Public Agenda Meeting After Eight Year Hiatus

Town Supervisor Dan Lewza (R,C,I-Milton) and the town board held the first of what he promises will be regular monthly public agenda meetings. As part of his pledge for open and transparent town government, the newly elected supervisor reinstated these meetings after an eight year hiatus.

“Reinstating the public agenda meetings to give residents the opportunity to weigh in on important matters before the town board voted on them was an immediate priority for me,” said Lewza. “Every person in Milton has a stake in the future of our town, and I consider them all part of the team effort needed to accomplish the positive changes and improvements Milton deserves. It was a great first meeting with lots of lively discussion, I am glad people cared enough about their town to attend.”

The meeting was well attended with roughly 30 residents contributing and participating in an open dialogue. Discussions included the need for a monthly spending report, cost saving measures, traffic safety, disaster preparedness and upcoming meetings on economic and town center development.

Lewza explained at the meeting that Milton town government is taking a more proactive role in managing town affairs and that he welcomes public participation. The relaxed tone allowed for an informative meeting, with many residents appreciating the openness and the ease with which they could help direct their own town government.

Milton Supervisor-elect Dan Lewza trying to clear hurdles before taking office

From the Saratogian

Saturday, November 12, 2011

By MICHAEL CIGNOLI
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$Milton Town Supervisor-elect Dan Lewza stands in front of Milton Town Hall recently. He plans to move ahead with developing the town’s center. (ERICA MILLER <script language='JavaScript' type='text/javascript'>  </script><script language='JavaScript' type='text/javascript'>  </script>This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it <script language='JavaScript' type='text/javascript'>  </script>)$

MILTON — The next town supervisor says he wants to hit the ground running when he takes over on New Year’s Day, and he’s doing everything he can to eliminate major roadblocks.

Former New York State Assembly employee Dan Lewza, who will officially replace eight-year incumbent Frank Thompson at the helm Jan. 1, has been in talks with Town Board members and business owners to see what — if anything — can be done about jump-starting his plan to build up the town center. He said it’s an economic development opportunity and the current administration “missed the boat.”

“We really need to move the town center ahead,” said Lewza, who was officially elected Tuesday evening. He previously scored a landslide victory over Thompson in September’s Republican primary, which knocked the embattled incumbent off the November ballot entirely and effectively quelled his chances of re-election.