Delhi Supervisor Seat Contested

DELHI - On the Delhi ballot this November, Republican Mark Tuthill is contesting incumbent Democrat Maya Boukai. Former supervisor Tuthill will also appear under the Conservative Party line. Boukai, who has served as supervisor since 2024, will also appear on the Delhi United Party line.

In anticipation of election day on Nov. 3rd, The Mountain Eagle asked candidates the following questions:

The following are candidate responses:

Maya Boukai

1. Why have you chosen to run for election?

I'm running for re-election because there is still important work to do, and I believe our town benefits from leadership that is focused on transparency, fiscal responsibility, collaboration, and planning for the future.

During my time in office, I have worked to make local government more accessible by leading the effort to reinstate public comment at Town Board meetings and advocating for public participation at Board of Supervisors meetings. I have also worked to increase financial transparency by ensuring Town Board members receive regular financial reports and have access to information they previously did not receive.

I am especially proud of the steps we've taken to strengthen the town's financial position. Through a strategic investment approach, town funds have generated more than $390,000 in interest earnings since I took office. We have also secured more than $875,000 in grant funding for recreation, planning, and community improvement projects; leveraged approximately $50,000 in recreation reserves into more than $825,000 in recreation improvements; established a Road Repair Reserve; and saved taxpayers money through responsible borrowing practices.

Beyond finances, we've strengthened relationships throughout our community by creating regular joint meetings with the Village, expanding partnerships with SUNY Delhi, launching the Hometown Heroes Banner Program, expanding recreation programming, and securing funding for projects that improve quality of life for residents.

I am proud of what we have accomplished together, but I see re-election as an opportunity to continue building on that progress. Many of the projects we secured funding for are now moving into the engineering and implementation stages, and I would like the opportunity to see those projects through from concept to completion while continuing to position the town for long-term success.

What makes you a good candidate?

2. I bring a combination of experience, a commitment to good government, and a proven record of delivering results.

I am not afraid to ask questions, seek expert guidance, or challenge the status quo when something can be improved. Throughout my term, I have fostered open communication and created an environment where Town Board members, employees, and residents feel comfortable sharing ideas, concerns, and different viewpoints. I believe better decisions are made when people are encouraged to participate rather than discouraged from speaking up.

My record reflects that approach. I have helped generate more than $390,000 in investment earnings for taxpayers, secured more than $875,000 in grant funding, helped modernize financial reporting practices, established new reserves for future infrastructure needs, supported strategic equipment replacement planning, and worked with community partners to expand recreational opportunities and improve town facilities.

I have also remained committed to transparency and education by organizing Open Meetings Law and FOIL training opportunities for local officials and residents, making decisions based on facts and research, and ensuring information is shared openly whenever possible.

Most importantly, I listen. Good government is built through community involvement, and I have worked hard to build relationships with the Village of Delhi, SUNY Delhi, local organizations, employees, and residents. The best ideas do not come from any one person; they come from people working together toward a common goal.

3. What is your key item of business for a new term if elected?

My top priority for a new term is ensuring that Delhi continues to be future-focused by investing in infrastructure, recreation, transparency, and long-term financial stability.

We've made tremendous progress securing funding and laying the groundwork for major projects, but the next step is turning plans into completed improvements that residents can see and use. That includes advancing recreation projects funded through our grant awards, continuing to improve parks and community spaces, maintaining our roads and infrastructure, and ensuring town equipment and facilities are kept up to date.

I also want to continue modernizing town operations by reviewing outdated policies, fee schedules, and procedures, expanding access to government information, and encouraging ongoing training so elected officials and employees stay informed about changing laws, regulations, and best practices.

My goal is simple: leave the Town of Delhi stronger than I found it, with a government that is transparent, financially sound, collaborative, and prepared for the future.

Mark Tuthill

1. Why have you chosen to run for election?

I feel that since Delhi is the County Seat, the Supervisor needs to work with the County Board and not against it.

2. What makes you a good candidate?

In my 10 years as a past Supervisor, I was Vice-Chairman of the County Board for the last seven of those years. I am also a past Chairman Of The Coalition of Watershed Towns (CWT) and a past Board Member of the Catskill Watershed Corporation (CWC). I was directly involved in negotiations with NYC and other agencies on a past Water Supply Permit issued by NYS DEC to NYC. I was also involved with NYS agencies regarding the substations on Hamden Hill and the conversion station proposed for an underground power line to NYC.

3. What is your key item of business for a new term if elected?

The key items are ongoing power line issues and trying to continue the work with NYC and the other watershed parties to swap land that was purchased under the Land Acquisition Program run by the City. This would give Delhi and other towns in the watershed a chance to get some land back that could be developed for some moderate expansion. On a more local level, we need to fight large, unwarranted assessment challenges by companies and others. I worked with the County to set up a process to share the costs of this litigation. We want to be fair to businesses but also fair to the individual taxpayers.

Voters can cast their ballots during early voting hours at 97 Main Street, Delhi, Suite 5, during the following dates and hours: Friday, October 30, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or Saturday and Sunday, October 31 and November 1, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Election Day voting takes place at the Public Safety Building, 280 Phoebe Lane, Delhi.

Pictured: Maya Boukai and Mark Tuthill