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Town of Neversink Supervisor race

By Matt Shortall
Posted 10/29/21

NEVERSINK — Voters in the Town of Neversink are headed to the polls this year to decide a hotly contested race for town justice, but they also have a choice for town supervisor.

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Town of Neversink Supervisor race

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NEVERSINK — Voters in the Town of Neversink are headed to the polls this year to decide a hotly contested race for town justice, but they also have a choice for town supervisor.

Running on the Republican and Conservative Party lines, Incumbent Supervisor Chris Mathews is facing off against local educator and Neversink Democratic Committee Chair Jerry Stevens, who is running on the Democratic Party Line.

Mathews makes case for reelection

Chris Mathews was first elected supervisor in 2015. If reelected, he would begin his fourth term in that office. Mathews, who works as a building contractor, started out in public service on Neversink’s Zoning Board of Appeals before being elected to the town council.

“Most people seem to be pleased with the general direction [of Neversink] and that’s what I’d like to continue,” Mathews said. “I wake up on my own property every morning and feel so grateful and blessed to live in such a beautiful place.”

Mathews says voters can rely on his years of municipal management experience, as well as his experience in the private sector and his “common sense approach to government.”

During his time as supervisor, Mathews says the town board has focused on improving infrastructure as well as maintaining and improving the town’s facilities. Mathews says they are currently working to rebuild the town’s tennis courts and are in the process of planning a new water system for the Grahamsville Fairgrounds.

If reelected, Mathews says he’d like to work with the town board to find funding for a study to explore adding sidewalks between the school and the library and, possibly, even to the Grahamsville Fairgrounds.

“Sidewalks would be fantastic, especially from the school to the library, for the kids and the general public,” Mathews said. “If there were sidewalks you might see more business come to town. That’s something I’ve been dreaming about for a while.”

Mathews said a huge source of pride for him is the Route 42 park which he feels has become a centerpiece of the community.

Furthermore, Mathews says he’s proud of the way the town persevered through the pandemic by keeping an eye on safety while still providing necessary services to residents.

“It has been a great honor to be elected supervisor. I truly love the town, its people and the satisfaction the job brings,” Mathews said.

Stevens seeks to serve

Jerry Stevens was born in Liberty, but has lived in Neversink ever since. He worked as a union carpenter for 18 years and has spent the last 20 years working within the Tri-Valley Central School District.

“I have coached numerous sports teams at Tri-Valley Central School District. During this time, I have built many strong bonds with many of the students I have coached, many of which continue to this day,” Stevens said.

Stevens’ prior administrative and community experience includes membership on the Town of Neversink Board of Assessment Review and being a Coordinator of Bear Cub Basketball.

Stevens currently serves as Chair of the Town of Neversink Democratic Committee, which includes membership on the Sullivan County Democratic Committee’s Executive Committee.

Stevens said he decided to run for supervisor this year so he could give Neversink voters a choice.

“I’ve done a lot of positive things in this community and I’d like to continue that as town supervisor,” Stevens said.

If elected, Stevens said he would like to build on some of the youth programs in Neversink and work to do more with the town’s parks.

“I believe the town needs to be all-inclusive and as a coach I have demonstrated my ability to work with many types of people from many different backgrounds, a skill that will certainly come in handy as town supervisor. I would appreciate your vote.”

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