Farewell To Several DelCo Supervisors

DELHI - Delaware County Board of Supervisors met for the last time in 2023. Several supervisors will not be coming back in 2024, and the board will be revamped with many first-time officials.

Bovina Supervisor and Chairperson to the board Tina Molè honored the seven supervisors who will no longer be serving the county or their respective towns come 2024. "Each one of these dedicated public servants has left a lasting mark and they deserve our gratitude," said Molè.

Harpersfield Supervisor James Eisel served the town for 35 years before resigning in February due to illness. According to Molè, Eisel was an original Catskill Watershed Corporation board member since 1997. Molè said he played a crucial role in advocating for local voices for the NYC watershed regulations. Lisa Driscoll has served as acting town supervisor since Eisel's resignation and was elected for her first term to begin in 2024.

Molè honored Davenport Supervisor Patty Valente who served for the last nine months after the death of her husband and former Davenport Supervisor Denis Valente. "I am not sure I could have stepped into such a demanding role after experiencing such a significant loss," said Molè.

Dennis Valente served the county for over 17 years. "Dennis was so much more than just a supervisor from Davenport," said Molè, "He represented the community with a conviction like no other."

Patty Valente "To the new supervisors, you can do this. You've got a lot of help, kindness, and support right here and all throughout the county in your own communities."

Deposit Supervisor Thomas Axtell has served his town for the past 16 years. "Tom championed the departments he served supporting EMS and economic development," said Molè.

"There's been a lot of changes over the years, a lot of friendships I've made. I'll miss those friendships, but I can truthfully say the one thing I will not miss is the drive around the reservoir," Axtell said, which received a roaring laugh.

Franklin Supervisor Jeffery Taggart served as supervisor for the last decade after serving as a town council member previously. "Jeff has been vocal and often expresses his opinions, always representing the needs of the residents of Delaware County as he sees fit," said Molè.

I must say I have been blessed to be serving on the board, working for the county," said Taggart. "It's been great, I think it’s something more people should do because you'd have more insight on how government is run."

Delhi Supervisor Mark Tuthill served as supervisor for the past 10 years and vice-chairperson to the board of supervisors for the last seven years. "His experience as a code enforcement officer (before election) has served him well as he has taken on several capital projects over the course of his term," said Molè. "Mark has played a key role in making sure we create building spaces that are built in a manner that can serve the public and the county for many years to come."

"Overall it's been an enjoyable experience and I appreciate every one. The department heads have been great to work with and the board members as well," said Tuthill.

Middletown Supervisor Carl Patrick Davis was a code enforcement officer before serving as supervisor for the last eight years. "His contributions on these committees as well as the board has encouraged all of us to take a look at things a little differently and ask us to make the tough choices to better serve those that elected us," said Molè.

"It's just been a great honor and a great privilege, I have learned a lot from this whole experience and my father used to say whatever you learn won't be wasted through your life so I can only imagine where it goes from here," said Davis.

Molè then welcomed the six new supervisors who will be joining the county in 2024 including Timothy Kelso, Davenport, Maya Boukai, Delhi, Rebecca Walley, Deposit, Donald Smith, Franklin, and Glen Faulkner, Middletown.

"I have had the privilege of meeting with each of the newly elected supervisors coming onto the board in January and I believe they will serve their communities as well as their predecessors," said Molè.

In other business, supervisors approved the levy of taxes for special districts and towns which can be viewed through a request to the clerk to the board. The county organizational meeting is scheduled Wednesday, Jan. 3 at 1 p.m.