Outgoing Supervisor Reflects on Service, Town Boards Face Transition Challenges
At Monroe Town Board's Dec. 1 meeting outgoing Supervisor Anthony Cardone reflected on his time in office and urged the community to look ahead, while residents and officials debated recent budget changes and a contentious transition to new leadership. The board postponed key decisions on insurance and land designation, leaving questions about fiscal priorities and oversight for the incoming administration.
Anthony Cardone, who left office after the recent election, told the Monroe Town Board on Dec. 1 that he was "extremely comfortable in moving on," and that "It’s been an honor and it’s been a privilege to serve this community." He noted that retirement would allow him more family time, adding "My wife, our three children, our daughter in law, our son in law, and our grandchildren, they’re going to have more time for Poppy now. And I’m really happy about it. I’m not in any way upset about not being re elected. I just want everyone to pray for Monroe into the future." Cardone thanked staff including secretary Jennifer Schnaars and Town Clerk Valerie Bitzer, and pointed to the appointment of Town Attorney Brian Nugent as a high point of his administration.
Speakers at the meeting offered both praise and criticism. Supporters credited Cardone and colleagues Mary Bingham and Dorey Houle with stabilizing the board after earlier dysfunction, establishing a new land use plan, strengthening code enforcement, and improving town facilities. Residents cited achievements ranging from Food Truck Festivals to the purchase of the current Town Hall building. Orange County Legislator Peter Tuohy and other longtime associates praised Cardone for his years of public service and business leadership.
Others raised concerns about recent budget changes. Richard Troiano and Kate Troiano said alterations to the budget effectively rewrote the preliminary plan and suggested the moves were meant to hamper the incoming administration. Kate Troiano also criticized the board for ending talks with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department after public opposition, then cutting budget items while moving to raise taxes for village residents.
Board members debated administrative continuity. Incoming Supervisor Richardson said she received limited information about an insurance policy renewal and was not included in earlier discussions, prompting the board to table decisions on the town insurance policy and cyber liability coverage until January. Councilwoman elect Beth Stephens compared the transfer to a military change of command and urged a more cohesive handover so the new board can serve residents effectively.
The board also voted three to two to table whether to designate the entire 265 acre Rye Hill Corridor as parkland, with Sal Scancarello joining Mary Bingham and Richardson in preferring more information before committing public funds or land use. With several key items deferred, residents and officials are watching the January agenda closely for decisions that will shape Monroe’s fiscal and planning priorities.
