Vacant Spot on Philipstown Board Filled by Longtime Resident

The vacant town board seat in Philipstown was filled last Thursday, when longtime resident Bob Flaherty was appointed and subsequently sworn in.

Flaherty, a Democrat, was selected by the all-Democratic town board unanimously during the board’s monthly meeting, to finish out the remaining term of former board member and current Cold Spring Mayor Dave Merandy. Philipstown Supervisor Richard Shea said he “couldn’t be more pleased” to appoint Flaherty to bring the board back to its regular five members.

After the meeting, Flaherty said when the seat became vacant, Shea and Councilman John Van Tassel approached him about possibly serving. Having a father once in politics, Flaherty said he was always interested in serving as an elected official, but previously didn’t think he had time.

Now, with more flexibility with his job in New York City, he thought this was the right time to get involved.

Flaherty said he thinks he’s a good fit for the board because as project manager at his job, ePlus Technology, he must work professionally with people everyday and does a lot of planning and organizing.

With the seat held by Flaherty set to expire this year, he said he plans on running for the town board this November, noting a stipulation of taking the town board seat was the fact he had to run several months from now.

”I’m more than happy to do that,” Flaherty said on running.

During the short time on the board before Election Day, Flaherty said he believes he can show residents that he’s a “trustworthy, dedicated, hard working person.”

“I’m a very committed person,” Flaherty said. “When I say I’m going to get something done, I do my best to get it done.”