MOUNT HOPE – Paul Rickard received a call about a noise complaint this week from a resident and in his previous position — Police Chief — he would have jumped onto the case himself.
However, Rickard is now the Town of Mount Hope’s Supervisor, a position he is enjoying three months into his tenure. So, he quickly passed the noise complaint onto his capable Police Chief, Michael Maresca.
“I think because I used to be the Police Chief, I am a face that everyone knew and identified with solving problems, which is great,” Rickard said. “I will continue to do that and take pride in assisting residents. I still want people to approach me and stop me if they need anything because I am comfortable with that, but I want to make sure I go through the proper channels. I called the Police Chief about the noise complaint.”
Rickard’s decision to run for supervisor stemmed from his desire to serve the community beyond his role in law enforcement, which he believes provided him a unique perspective on the challenges facing his community. He is one of two new Orange County Supervisors who have made seamless transitions after long law enforcement careers. Stephen Bedetti has enjoyed his first three months as Town of New Windsor’s Supervisor.
Prior to working as Mount Hope’s Police Chief, Rickard worked in the City of Middletown Police Department from 1988-2010, retiring as a Lieutenant. Bedetti retired as a Town of New Windsor Police Dispatcher Supervisor after 34 years and was a part-time Town of Cornwall police officer for 23 years. He is also a volunteer with the Vails Gate Fire Department.
“I would say the advantages, along with previously being on the Town Board is the institutional knowledge,” said Bedetti, who was proudly born and raised in New Windsor. “I think that has helped me accomplish some things right out of the gate. Knowing some of the inner workings has made it easier and I have received positive feedback so far. We are just trying to get things done here.”
Bedetti and Rickard, who are both Republicans, have already addressed key initiatives while in office. Bedetti has settled three union contracts, helped develop a new recreation master plan and started a program called Hometown Heroes, which will honor New Windsor’s veterans.
Rickard has helped update Mount Hope’s ethics policy from the 1970s and is forming an Ethics Review Board for the town.
“People have to have faith in government and know it is run ethically,” said Rickard, who is enjoying his role as Mount Hope’s Supervisor. “It is important, and we are going to do things honestly and transparently. I will always listen thoughtfully to anyone’s concerns or issues.”
