BIOS
Donal Collins, Town of Chatham Supervisor - Re-Elect
As the current Town Supervisor, Donal Collins is a member of the town's Finance and Planning Committee, the Climate Smart Action Task Force, the Park and Recreation Committee, Chatham Collective Bargaining Team, and the Chatham Agricultural Partnership.
As a part of the County Board of Supervisors, Donal is chairman of the Columbia County Health and Human Services Committee, a member of the Soil and Water Conservation District, the Board of Health, the Agriculture and Farmland Protection Board and Climate Smart Action Task Force, council member on the Columbia County Office of the Aging Advisory Council's Occupancy Charge Subcommittee, a member of the county Collective Bargaining Team, and a member of the Columbia County "Think Differently" Autism Spectrum Awareness Rollout Group.
Donal graduated from Chatham Central Schools and has both a masters and bachelor of science degrees in mechanical engineering from Tulane University, and is the sole proprietor of Collins Farm.
In his own words ...
"It has been a distinct honor to have served the Town of Chatham over the last four years. I look forward to another term working with residents and our dedicated staff to maintain, improve and expand town services. Increasing accessibility and participation in local matters that are inclusive for all residents will continue to be a primary concern. Priorities will continue to include cultivation of rental, starter home and senior housing, expanded youth and senior recreation; expansion of community events; farmland protection and local farm support through the Community Preservation Plan and outreach events. We will continue to address climate adaptation strategies for municipal infrastructure while engaging the public in methods of reducing our carbon footprint. We will diligently be looking to fund these initiatives through state, federal and private grants to minimize taxes and maintain the robust financial standing that we enjoy today. Thank you for your support, Chatham."
Vance Pitkin for Town Council - Re-Elect
Vance Pitkin was elected to the Town Board in 2019 and was appointed Deputy Supervisor. He serves as co-chair of the Chatham's Parks and Recreation Committee and co-chair of the town's Climate Smart Committee.
Vance owns Pitkin Co. Refinishers—with over 50 years experience in restoring furniture to its glory. Vance has been a volunteer firefighter for over 30 years, with the last three years as an EMT with Chatham Rescue. Currently, he's the chair of the Town of Chatham Republican Party.
In his own words ...
"I have been a resident of Columbia County and a small business owner for more than 30 years and have been honored to serve on the Chatham Town Board for the past four years. I am proud of the accomplishments we have made, working together for the benefit of the residents of our beautiful and diverse town. Coordination with Supervisor Collins and my fellow board members, we have secured tax breaks for firefighters and the disabled, made many improvements at Crellin Park and expanded communications, to name a few. Going forward, some of the important issues we plan to continue addressing include updating Land Use Laws, finding creative solutions to affordable housing and improving broadband and cell service."
Tim Mackerer for Town Council
Tim Mackerer has been self-employed as a landscape contractor for 35 years, and is a native East Chatham resident. A graduate of Chatham Central School, Tim has his bachelor of science degree from UMASS Amherst. His wife, Kelly, is also a graduate of Chatham Central School, as are their two children.
In his own words ...
I am a lifelong resident of the Town of Chatham and currently the sixth generation in my family to own the Rowe-Lant farm in East Chatham. I have been active in serving my community and continue to do so by serving on four town committees. I have worked on the Comprehensive Plan Update and Review Committee for the past three and a half years, and the town's Housing Committee since its inception. Additionally, I serve as co-chair of the Park and Recreation Committee, and I am a member of the newly formed Invasive Species Awareness committee. A great concern that I have for the area is the lack of housing that is affordable for young people and seniors. A balance needs to be achieved so that we can retain the rural character of the town but still offer more affordable housing options. This is important to maintain a diverse and vibrant community."
