Barr to run for council

HAMBURG-Daniel Barr has announced his candidacy for the Council for one of two seats that will be up for grabs in the November election. He and Rich Krasnomowitz, who will be supporting each other, will be running as Republicans. Barr, an almost life-time resident of Hamburg -- 40 out of 42 years n has been working in community affairs for sometime. Now in his second term as a member of the school board, he is also on the Hamburg Planning Board, a trustee of the Historical Society, a member of the Hamburg Fire Police and is active in the Wallkill Valley Little League. Janet, his wife of 15 years, is a member of both the PTA and the recreation committee. Their two children, Meghan who is nine years old, and six-year old Jimmy attend the Hamburg Public School. Barr said that his priorities lie in keeping taxes affordable and in the development of the recreation fields. Regarding taxes, he said, "It is a difficult issue since we don't have the ability to bring in ratables, so it's a constant struggle." Barr feels that the S1701 legislation (regarding school budget caps) will at some point require budgets to "fall into the hands of the council." As a result, he said, "I feel my experience with the school board will be an asset to the council." Barr is the l ctor for a large display and packaging firm, and in that position, he is required to "come up with options that might not be readily thought of by other people." He feels this perspective would bring another benefit to the council. He added, "I love this town. For many reasons, we wanted our family to grow up here. I still live in the house that I grew up in. I had a wonderful childhood, and I want to make sure that it continues to be that way." Barr's father,Walter, was co-founder of the town's first aid squad and at one time president of the council. He said, "I intend to follow in my father's footsteps." Come election time, Barr will have the full support of the town's senior citizens, according to Betsy Edsal, president of the senior's organization. "It's time for our best and brightest to get in," Edsall said. "He attends council meetings, and he knows where we stand on issues. He realizes the needs of the seniors and is very budget conscious. As a member of the school board, he has experience at keeping down costs. Dan is the person to get the job done." Two seats will be available in the next election. One is occupied by Rich Krasnomowitz filling an unexpired term through the end of the year and the other is held by Joe Marano. Both council members also will be candidates in the fall. Rounding out the list of candidates is Darlene Borromeo.