2021 Candidate Profile: Franchino Seeks Re-election To Town Board

NANUET, NY - In 2021's general election, residents of the Hudson Valley will be voting for local officials. In anticipation, Patch asked candidates in the contested races to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Donald Franchino is seeking re-election to the Clarkstown Town Council in November. Franchino, born and raised in Rockland County, owned an insurance agency for 40 years and is now retired. He is running on the Republican and Conservative lines on the November ballot.

Democrat Sam Salgado-Hernandez is challenging Franchino for the chance to represent Ward 3 — which encompasses Central Nyack, West Nyack, Nanuet, and Bardonia.

Check out Patch's full Q&A with Donald Franchino:

Why are you seeking elective office?

I would like to continue serving the entire community of Clarkstown. We have a unique Town and I would like to see the growth and diversity I would like to continue the progress accomplished thus far in attracting retables to the Town of Clarkstown(there is a long list of future tenants). There is still much to do. I am attacking the issue of truck traffic in West Nyack. I am working on the flood issue that crippled the NYS Thruway and the residents of Jeffrey Court. Code enforcement remains a top priority. Street restoration in Central Nyack. Route 303 and Route 304 remain in focus with the State for improvement. Future animal shelter privately owned by nonprofit.

The single most pressing issue facing our town is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Overdevelopment and controlled code enforcement

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

My opponent is unknown along with his position on issues facing the community

How do you think local officials performed in responding to the coronavirus? What if anything would you have done differently?

Supervisor Hoehmann responded correctly following State and County health officials' recommendations. All recreational and social programs were suspended. Town meetings were conducted remotely in all departments. As we begin to emerge from this pandemic the lesions learned will serve future Town Boards.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

The effort to hold taxes in line, below the state cap, has been successful. The town has been in the black the last two cycles. The Town continues to build reserves and pay down debt.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Treat other people the way I would expect to be treated. Respect and courtesy are the fundamental building blocks of a civilized society

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

My extensive volunteer work and business experience over the past forty years has given me the experience and knowledge to handle this position.

You can learn more about him on his Facebook page.

SEE ALSO: Absentee Ballots, Early Voting In Rockland County