Shelter Island Councilman Albert Dickson, first elected to the Town Council in 2017, said at today’s work session that while it’s been a privilege to serve the community, he does not plan to seek re-election in November.
Saying that during events of the last “one gets in touch with one’s own mortality”, Dickson praised the work of board and said he hoped to focus his remaining time in service of three goals: advancing the Town’s ground and surface water management plan, getting an affordable housing project off the ground, and seeing to completion the Comprehensive Plan update.
A Democrat, Dickson was sworn in as a councilman in January 2018 after edging out Republican candidate Marcus Kaasik in a close race.
At the end of the work session, he read the following statement, praising his colleagues on the Board — Town Supervisor Gerry Siller, Deputy Supervisor Amber Brach-Williams and councilmen Jim Colligan and Mike Bebon:
After much deliberation I have come to the decision that I will not be seeking re-election in November. Growing up here on Shelter Island, it was always on my bucket list to serve on the Town Board. And as such, it has truly been a privilege to do so.
This board has been an absolute pleasure to work with. Through Gerry’s guidance we are emerging from this pandemic in a strong and healthful position. This past year has been a challenge to say the least. But, Gerry, this community has been the beneficiary of your dedication and outstanding leadership. Thank you. Amber, as Deputy Supervisor and a member of the United Command Team your input and contributions have been of immeasurable value to Shelter Island.
Jim Colligan, although sometimes long-winded, you’re always committed to Shelter Island. A guy who will take a task, any task, and follow through to the best of his ability. And Mike, you bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, ability and an intellectual acumen that I have not had the pleasure of working with at any time previously. It has been a privilege serving with you.
It is my intent to whole-heartedly serve out the remainder of my term to the best of my ability. As such, there are issues that I believe as a board we can and need to accomplish. Think of these as going away presents for Albert:
- I want to advance the ground and surface water management plan, working to implement those strategies necessary for the protection of our drinking water as well as the protection of ground and surface waters
- I endeavor to get an affordable housing project off the ground, it is my hope that through the creation of that first successful project that many more can follow
- Of tantamount importance, is the successful development and adoption of new Comprehensive Plan Update, which is so critical to this community as we move foward
I know the board shares my hopes and aspirations for what needs to be and can be accomplished.
Lastly, and most importantly, I want to thank my wife, Mary, who’s patience, support and levity have been indispensable.
In closing I want to say that with time and given conditions, one gets in touch with their own mortality. I’m choosing to spend more time being Dad and more time being Grandpa. Thank you.
The ‘go-to guy’
Siller thanked Dickson saying, “In the short time we’ve worked together I’ve enjoyed it very much and I have to honestly say that in my years in government, now and before, this is without a doubt the most cohesive board I’ve worked with.”
“We might not always agree on everything, but we all have the best interests of Shelter Island at heart and we all work extremely well together,” Siller said. “You’ve been a wealth of knowledge. When we need to know something about Shelter Island, you’re always the go-to guy. I’ve always appreciated your love the Island and all that you’ve done for us. We’ll miss you, but we’ll take advantage of you for the rest of this year, Al.”
Dickson has deep family roots on the Island; his great grandparents settled here in the 1860s. Before joining the Town Board, he had a long career as an environmental project manager, and also served as chairman of the Town’s Water Advisory Committee.
