Lorna Cherot Littleway is reporting for The Columbia Paper two candidates are running to serve a three-year term as Hillsdale Town Supervisor. Democrat Christian G. Kersten and Hillsdale Unity Party candidate Robina Ward are looking to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Peter Cipkowski. Democrat Kersten, 71, was educated at Long Island University, New York University Graduate School of Public Administration, University of California Management Institute, Harvard University Institute of Educational Management and the state Judicial Certification Program. He is a retired university and museum executive. He formerly served as vice chancellor, University of California at Santa Barbara and at the University at Albany, as well as director of development at Camphill Village USA. He is the president of the Columbia County Habitat for Humanity and board member of the Columbia-Greene Community College Foundation. He formerly served as town justice and as a member of the town board. In a statement, Kersten said his extensive leadership experiences, along with his time in elective office "...have prepared me to bring our town together through collaborative engagement to address current challenges and move exciting projects forward, as well as give Hillsdale a strong voice at the county Board of Supervisors. Inclusive, focused and caring leadership matters.” Ward, 71, is running on the Hillsdale Unity Party line. She was born in London and educated at the University of Massachusetts. Ward is a retired fashion industry executive. She has served on the Hillsdale Town Board for the past five years. Her community activities include the Hillsdale Fire Company; Hillsdale Library Board of Trustees Vice President; member and chair of various Comprehensive Plan town committees; and mask maker. In a candidate statement Ward wrote: “I’m so glad that we’ve been able to run a campaign focused on issues, experience and achievements for the town of Hillsdale. Issues of specific concern are the smart planning needed as the rail trail is nearing completion, as well as the fiscal health of the town. "I’ve been following the town budgets for almost two decades now. I know every expenditure, every source of income, every account intimately. We’re facing a COVID-related loss of tax revenue and my knowledge will help us through," Ward wrote. Read the full story in The Columbia Paper.