The Problem
Too many residents of the Town of Newburgh feel shut out of their own government. Public meetings are inaccessible. Information is only available in English. Entire communities go unheard - not because they have nothing to say, but because nobody in power is listening. When government only works for insiders, everyone else pays the price.
Stephen's Plan
Ensure all communities are heard. Stephen will create real channels for community input - not just comment periods that nobody reads, but structured engagement with neighborhood associations, faith communities, and civic organizations across the town.
Provide information in plain language and Spanish. Government communications should be clear, direct, and available in the languages residents actually speak. Stephen is proficient in Spanish and committed to making Town Hall accessible to every resident.
Support fair representation. Every part of the Town of Newburgh deserves a voice in how decisions are made. Stephen will work to ensure that boards, committees, and advisory bodies reflect the full diversity of our community.
Foster dignity and respect at Town Hall. Residents who come to Town Hall with questions, concerns, or complaints should be treated with professionalism and respect - every time, by every employee. Stephen will set that tone from the top.
Why It Matters
Stephen served as a United States Peace Corps volunteer in Ecuador, working directly with underserved communities. That experience shaped his core belief that government exists to serve everyone - not just the people with connections. He founded the Town of Newburgh Advocacy Association because he saw residents being ignored by the very government that was supposed to represent them. As Supervisor, he'll make sure that stops.