The supervisor candidates are Tim Follos (Democratic and Silent Majority) and Favor J. Smith (Honesty for Wilmington).

The town council candidates are Laura Dreissigacker Hooker (Honesty for Wilmington), incumbent Darin Forbes (Republican and Citizen’s Data Boy), incumbent Michelle Preston (Community First) and Forest “Randy” Winch (People’s).

Also, Devan Korn (Citizen’s Data Boy) and Alphonso Smith (Republican) are running unopposed for two assessor seats.

The Lake Placid News sent questionnaires to candidates running in the contested races. Below is the response for Darin Forbes.

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Darin Forbes

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Age: 43

Occupation: Self-employed, contractor

Position sought: Town councilor

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Q: Why are you running for this position?

A: I am a born and raised Wilmington resident that believes our town needs strong, open-minded and forward thinking people as representatives. With 15 years of experience on the town board, I believe my experience and motivation to make my home town the best it can be makes me a qualified and competent candidate.

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Q: What are your qualifications?

A: I have served on the Wilmington town board for almost 16 years and have worked closely with two supervisors, multiple board members and many members of our community.

I have served as deputy supervisor for over 14 years and have a deep understanding of our budget, codes, infrastructure and town policies.

Over the years, I have been directly involved in virtually all aspects of town business, including the following, but not limited to:

– Wilmington’s Water Filtration Plant construction;

– The expansion of the Whiteface Water District;

– The purchase of Preston Festival Field;

– The revitalization of the Wilmington Beach;

– The West Branch Dam Revitalization; and

– The Northern Borders Grant which is now being utilized as part of the Wilmington Homestead Housing program.

In addition, I have volunteered on many activity-related committees like the Festival of Colors and the Wilmington Music Fest because I feel that these events are important to our town’s camaraderie. Aside from events, I have donated time and labor to help with the construction of many projects throughout town to ultimately better the functionality and appearance of our town and help when and where I can.

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Q: What are your main goals?

A: Mainly, I would like to help unite Wilmington again. There has been a lot of negativity in our town over the last year or so that is being seen and felt throughout the general ambiance of our usually wholesome and warm town. To do that, I would like to help Wilmington continue to prosper and grow responsibly while keeping taxes affordable for the hard working locals so that we can all benefit in the end.

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Q: What do you think are the three biggest problems in the town, and how do you propose solving them?

A: The three biggest challenges for Wilmington are balancing short-term rentals to benefit locals and visitors alike, developing affordable housing while not detracting from our town and keeping taxes affordable while continuing to provide the services our residents deserve.

To achieve these goals, we need to have cooperation and compromise. The town board needs to work together and set aside their differences in personal opinions. We should all be focused on a common goal and that is to help Wilmington in any way possible. Wilmington is a special place and should be treated as such. Working together, looking for ways to save money, obtaining grants, developing a master plan for the future and listening to constituents, while healing the divide, will continue to make Wilmington the place to live.

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Q: Other comments to voters?

A: My name is Darin Forbes, and I have the knowledge, experience and social skills to continue to help guide Wilmington into the future. I will continue to work hard for all of its residents by helping Wilmington continue to prosper, grow responsibly and by keeping taxes affordable for the hard-working locals.

I am asking for your vote on Nov. 7. Every vote matters. Thank you, Wilmington.