Melanie Lekocevic is reporting for Columbia-Greene Media Ghent candidates Mallory Mort, a Democrat, and Craig Simmons, a Republican, will face off in the November 2, race for town supervisor. Mort, 64, has lived in Ghent for 42 years. He is employed as the general manager of Gallagher’s Stud, a thoroughbred operation on Leggett Road. Mort's name will appear on the Democratic, Working Families and Ghent United lines on the ballot. He has served as a member of the Ghent Town Board since 2014. "One of the top issues facing Ghent at the town board level is how to improve our local infrastructure — whether it’s broadband, climate smart initiatives, repairs to town hall, or support for local businesses and families in need — to best serve the residents of the town. ...I want to bring the community together and listen to our residents so that we can use the [awarded federal] funds effectively and responsibly, and seek additional state and federal funding as needed to further our community’s priorities without affecting our local taxes," Mort said. If elected, Mort said he would be a good supervisor because of his extensive government experience and community service, which have allowed him to understand the needs of residents and prepared him to be the town's financial officer. Simmons, 55, is a lifelong resident of Ghent. He is a third-generation Ghent farmer, raising crops, cattle and bees. He is also the 35-year owner and operator of Simmons Automotive. He is running on the Conservative and Republican lines. Simmons previously served on the New York State Angus Association, and for nine years on the Chatham Board of Education. "The top issue facing my community is affordable housing. We are losing young residents to other states due to increased housing values. Finding affordable housing for our elderly population is also a huge concern of mine," Simmons said. He said if elected he would work with other elected officials to find alternatives to the housing crisis in Columbia County. "I would be a good supervisor for the town of Ghent because I am a hardworking and involved community member. I am a good listener and open to ideas. I genuinely care about my fellow Ghent residents and what they have to say. I believe everyone here has something to contribute to our town and I want to be able to work together as a community," Simmons said. Read the full story at HudsonValley360 [dot] com.