Stephen Hook, Candidate for Claverack Town Councilman
Stephen Hook was born and raised in Suffolk County, NY. He moved to Columbia County in 1986 with his wife Diane, and eventually settled in Claverack where he and his wife raised three daughters - Tracy, Kimberly, and Jamie.
Since moving here nearly three decades ago, Stephen has been actively involved in his community. Through organizations like the Federation of Polish Sportsmen, the Claverack Republican Club, and the Claverack Fire Company, Stephen contributes many hours to projects and programs that enrich the lives of town residents. As a member, and current Chairman, of the Town of Claverack Planning Board, Stephen works to protect the rights of property owners, while balancing the needs of the greater community. He demands transparency and fairness and strives to find common ground to satisfy the needs of all interested parties, while working within the confines of the law.
If elected, Stephen plans to focus on three main issues - taxes, the budget, and improving communication. He believes strongly in the principles of low taxes and small government. Reducing the size of government (through shared services, etc.) would reduce the overall cost to tax payers. Stephen would also work with fellow Board Members, the Town Supervisor, surrounding municipalities, and our State Representatives to petition the State for mandate relief. Our State government has a spending problem and they pass the cost down to the local level in the form of unfunded mandates. The result is high property taxes and a crippling business climate. This must change.
Since moving here nearly three decades ago, Stephen has been actively involved in his community. Through organizations like the Federation of Polish Sportsmen, the Claverack Republican Club, and the Claverack Fire Company, Stephen contributes many hours to projects and programs that enrich the lives of town residents. As a member, and current Chairman, of the Town of Claverack Planning Board, Stephen works to protect the rights of property owners, while balancing the needs of the greater community. He demands transparency and fairness and strives to find common ground to satisfy the needs of all interested parties, while working within the confines of the law.
If elected, Stephen plans to focus on three main issues - taxes, the budget, and improving communication. He believes strongly in the principles of low taxes and small government. Reducing the size of government (through shared services, etc.) would reduce the overall cost to tax payers. Stephen would also work with fellow Board Members, the Town Supervisor, surrounding municipalities, and our State Representatives to petition the State for mandate relief. Our State government has a spending problem and they pass the cost down to the local level in the form of unfunded mandates. The result is high property taxes and a crippling business climate. This must change.