Garretson Reflects on Two Decades in Office as Election Nears

By JOSHUA YOUNGQUIST
CHERRY VALLEY

As Cherry Valley approaches the November 3 election, Town Supervisor Tom Garretson finds himself in an unfamiliar position: facing a challenger. Garretson, first elected in 2005, acknowledged he has not been opposed in “close to 20 years,” noting that his predecessor held the office for 36 years.

“It’s pretty common for small towns,” he added, reflecting on the long tenures typical in rural municipal government.

Despite the rarity of competition, Garretson said he feels steady heading into Election Day. His relationship with his opponent, Jordan Nott, appears rooted in long standing community familiarity rather than political tension.

“I know Jordan…his family and our family, we’ve known each other forever,” he said. “I don’t think there’s anything bad between us…it’s politics.”

Garretson explained that he had hoped to mentor a younger board member to eventually take over the supervisor role, but that individual chose not to run again. When Nott began attending board meetings, Garretson thought he might run for a town board seat—“and then I could help him along,” he said—but Nott ultimately decided to run for supervisor.

One point of discussion in the race has been tax increases. Garretson addressed a claim circulating about a 40 percent tax hike, saying the figure was inaccurate.

“The only thing I did hear about Jordan was a comment about a 40 percent tax increase, which wasn’t true,” he said.

He pointed to data from the Office of the State Comptroller, noting that taxes increased 26.9 percent for the 2025 budget, followed by a 17.82 percent decrease for 2026.

Garretson highlighted two major issues he expects to dominate the next term: infrastructure and the Cherry Valley Health Center.

The town was awarded $2.1 million through the Bridge NY program to replace a deteriorating bridge that had been downgraded to a three ton limit—a threshold that triggers closure.

“We got a grant to replace the bridge…that’s probably going to take up the next two years,” he said.

The health center remains the most pressing and complex challenge. Garretson said he hopes to “get it out from underneath the taxpayers,” acknowledging the tension between residents’ desire to keep the center open and the financial burden it places on the town.

“People in town want the health center, but at the same time the taxpayer is picking up a very large part of the tab,” he said.

Two groups, the Health Center Oversight Committee and a volunteer fundraising group called Friends of the Cherry Valley Health Center, have been exploring grants and other support.

Garretson clarified his stance on grants, saying he supports them “for the right purpose,” but is cautious about relying on state funds for services used by only a small portion of residents.

“I’m a retired dairy farmer. I’ve always had to watch every penny,” he said.

Cherry Valley is also applying for $4.5 million through the NY Forward program, with proposals that include improvements to the community center, health center, highway garage and town court.

“Basically, we’re looking to build up the infrastructure so we have a stronger base for continued growth,” Garretson said.

The village, which operates its own government within the town, is applying for separate projects under the same program.

Housing remains another priority. With an aging population and a senior center that is “waiting list only,” Garretson said the town must plan for expanded housing options over the next decade.

Garretson said communication with residents has improved significantly in recent years, especially with the launch of the town’s official .gov [town website]. However, youth engagement remains a challenge.

“We just don’t seem to have the people that want to volunteer for much anymore,” he said.

He recalled a time when local students regularly attended board meetings as part of school curriculum, but that practice ended more than a decade ago.

“It’s changed,” he said. “It’s hard to get anybody.”

Regardless of the election outcome, Garretson emphasized his commitment to collaboration. If re elected, he hopes Nott will run for a board seat so he can mentor him.

“I definitely want Jordan to stay involved,” he said. “If it goes the other way…I’m gonna be there for any questions that he has.”

As Cherry Valley prepares for the November 3 General Election, Garretson believes the upcoming special meeting on the health center will answer many questions for residents.

The public meeting will take place on Thursday, October 29 in the gymnasium of the Cherry Valley “Old School,” 2 Genesee Street, at which time the health center’s oversight committee—comprised of mostly citizen volunteers—plans to propose enhancements to the center’s financial situation.

“Thursday is gonna answer a lot of questions for everybody,” he said, adding that residents are always welcome at town board meetings.