Raymond Pignone is reporting for Columbia-Greene Media on the two candidates running for Cairo Town Supervisor, Democrat Ted Banta, and Republican and Conservative candidate Jason Watts. Banta, 50, has lived in Greene County for 19 years. He is a graduate of Fordham University and employed as a real estate broker. He previously served as Cairo Town Supervisor from 2012 to 2015. Banta defines economic development as the greatest issue facing Cairo. "Our community needs economic development, Main Street revitalization, improved infrastructure, beautiful parks and natural resources, fiscal responsibility and transparent and effective government. ....[E]conomic development, improved infrastructure and Main Street revitalization. These issues are interdependent," he said. Banta offers up an exhaustive list of accomplishments during his previous time as town supervisor, including the Sewer Capital Fund Project, the acquisition of a $3.5 million EFC zero percent water improvement loan, the development of plans for Main Street sidewalks, plus a $75,000 grant from the DEC Smart Growth program. Watts has lived in the county for more than 30 years. He has served on the Cairo Town Board since 2018. He is employed by his family's business, Watts Oil. Watts said as a member of town government for four years, he stands firm against the overreach of government. "I have the experience and ability to work with all Cairo residents no matter what their party affiliation is. I want to expand Cairo’s tax base and make town government more business-friendly. I want to encourage development and seek out new businesses. ...I will put my experience as a successful businessman to work for the town and develop ideas to spur growth in Cairo<" Watts said. Read the full story at HudsonValley360 [dot] com.