Get to know the Democratic candidates running for office in Somers!
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Teresa Clifford is running for Somers Town Supervisor.Learn more about Terry and her vision for our town.
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Q: What inspired you to run for local office, and what guides your decision‑making?
A: Somers deserves a leader who is present, visible, and genuinely connected to every corner of our community. I’m running because I believe leadership starts with showing up: listening to families, seniors, business owners, and everyone in between. My goal is to spend time in all our neighborhoods, understand what people are experiencing day‑to‑day, and make sure the Town Board is responding to real needs. At the heart of my decision‑making are inclusion, accessibility, and respect. If you take the time to share your concerns, I will take the time to understand them and take action.
Q: What do you see as the most pressing challenges facing Somers right now?
A: Somers is a wonderful place to raise a family, but we’re facing several important challenges that need steady, thoughtful leadership:
These issues impact so many of us here in Somers—from our morning commutes to the water our kids drink—and we deserve proactive solutions.
Q: What does transparency in local government mean to you, and how will you ensure Somers residents stay informed and engaged?
A: Transparency means making sure residents understand how decisions are made and feel confident that their voices matter. Over the past few years, neighbors have shared concerns that important choices in Somers—including appointments to the Town Board and major projects like the proposed updates to Reis Park—have felt unclear or handled without much public input. When people don’t know how or why decisions are being made, it’s hard for them to feel connected to their local government.
I’m running because I believe Somers deserves a more open, community‑centered approach. Families should be able to see how ideas move from discussion to action, and they should have meaningful opportunities to weigh in along the way. That means communicating early and often, holding public conversations before decisions are finalized, and making sure information is easy to access—whether through Town Hall meetings, local newspapers, or website and social media updates.
My goal is simple: bring residents into the process, not keep them on the outside looking in. When people feel informed and included, our town becomes stronger, more united, and better prepared for the future.
Q: What do you love most about Somers?
A: I’ve lived in this town for over 30 years, and Somers has a warmth that’s hard to describe until you live here and get to experience it as a community member. Whether you’re grabbing a coffee, visiting a local shop, or cheering at a school event, people here are genuinely friendly, caring, and willing to help one another. That sense of community—of neighbors looking out for neighbors—is, to me, what makes Somers special.
Q: What’s your go‑to place in Somers—the spot that instantly makes you feel connected to the town—and why does it matter to you?
A: For me, it’s the meetings—Town Board, Planning Board, Zoning Board, Parks and Recreation, and others. Sitting in those rooms, hearing residents speak about what matters to them, inspires me and reminds me why I’m running. Those meetings show the full picture of what it takes to keep Somers thriving. They inspire me to work hard, stay engaged, and earn the opportunity to serve this community. And of course, I have to mention King Kone—because honestly, who doesn’t love grabbing an ice cream on a summer day? It’s one of those Somers moments that makes you feel right at home.
A: Somers deserves a leader who is present, visible, and genuinely connected to every corner of our community. I’m running because I believe leadership starts with showing up: listening to families, seniors, business owners, and everyone in between. My goal is to spend time in all our neighborhoods, understand what people are experiencing day‑to‑day, and make sure the Town Board is responding to real needs. At the heart of my decision‑making are inclusion, accessibility, and respect. If you take the time to share your concerns, I will take the time to understand them and take action.
Q: What do you see as the most pressing challenges facing Somers right now?
A: Somers is a wonderful place to raise a family, but we’re facing several important challenges that need steady, thoughtful leadership:
- Clean, reliable drinking water for every home, school, business, and place of worship—and securing state and federal grants to help address septic issues.
- Traffic and road conditions, including areas managed by New York State, which need attention and long‑term planning.
- Modernizing our library so it can better serve families, students, and community groups with updated spaces and room for larger gatherings.
- Rising energy costs, which affect households and local businesses alike.
- Keeping property taxes manageable while still investing in the services families rely on.
These issues impact so many of us here in Somers—from our morning commutes to the water our kids drink—and we deserve proactive solutions.
Q: What does transparency in local government mean to you, and how will you ensure Somers residents stay informed and engaged?
A: Transparency means making sure residents understand how decisions are made and feel confident that their voices matter. Over the past few years, neighbors have shared concerns that important choices in Somers—including appointments to the Town Board and major projects like the proposed updates to Reis Park—have felt unclear or handled without much public input. When people don’t know how or why decisions are being made, it’s hard for them to feel connected to their local government.
I’m running because I believe Somers deserves a more open, community‑centered approach. Families should be able to see how ideas move from discussion to action, and they should have meaningful opportunities to weigh in along the way. That means communicating early and often, holding public conversations before decisions are finalized, and making sure information is easy to access—whether through Town Hall meetings, local newspapers, or website and social media updates.
My goal is simple: bring residents into the process, not keep them on the outside looking in. When people feel informed and included, our town becomes stronger, more united, and better prepared for the future.
Q: What do you love most about Somers?
A: I’ve lived in this town for over 30 years, and Somers has a warmth that’s hard to describe until you live here and get to experience it as a community member. Whether you’re grabbing a coffee, visiting a local shop, or cheering at a school event, people here are genuinely friendly, caring, and willing to help one another. That sense of community—of neighbors looking out for neighbors—is, to me, what makes Somers special.
Q: What’s your go‑to place in Somers—the spot that instantly makes you feel connected to the town—and why does it matter to you?
A: For me, it’s the meetings—Town Board, Planning Board, Zoning Board, Parks and Recreation, and others. Sitting in those rooms, hearing residents speak about what matters to them, inspires me and reminds me why I’m running. Those meetings show the full picture of what it takes to keep Somers thriving. They inspire me to work hard, stay engaged, and earn the opportunity to serve this community. And of course, I have to mention King Kone—because honestly, who doesn’t love grabbing an ice cream on a summer day? It’s one of those Somers moments that makes you feel right at home.
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Rita Romeu is running for Somers Town Board.Learn more about Rita and what she would like to accomplish.
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Q: What inspired you to run for local office, and what guides your decision‑making?
A: I’ve always loved being involved in my community. In my previous town, I served as a Committeewoman and later as Mayor, and those experiences showed me how meaningful it can be when residents and local government work together. I’d like to bring that same energy and collaboration to the Somers Town Board.
Throughout my career in public service and in health care finance, I’ve learned that good communication is everything. People need to feel heard, and they need to know their ideas matter. I also believe that local leaders shouldn’t be afraid to step outside their comfort zones—whether that means exploring new approaches or partnering with neighboring towns on shared challenges. Collaboration can open doors that wouldn’t be possible otherwise.
Q: What do you see as the most pressing challenges facing Somers right now?
A: One of the biggest challenges we’re facing is the rising cost of energy, especially our electricity. Families and businesses are feeling it, and I think we need to look at both short‑term and long‑term solutions. That includes working with county and state partners and also exploring renewable energy options that could save money over time.
I’m also passionate about protecting our open space—our town parks and woodlands are part of what makes Somers such a special place. I’d like to work closely with the Planning Board, Zoning Board, and the Energy and Environment Committee to create long‑term plans that keep these areas healthy and accessible to all. I want residents to feel confident that future land‑use decisions support the character of our town and avoid choices, like data centers, that could lead to overdevelopment or strain our resources.
Q: What does transparency in local government mean to you, and how will you ensure Somers residents stay informed and engaged?
A: To me, transparency means being available, approachable, and open about how decisions are made. It’s not just about what happens at Town Board meetings—it’s about making sure people can easily find information and understand what’s going on.
In my previous town, residents told us they wanted a more user‑friendly website with clear, organized information. We redesigned it so people could quickly find what they needed, and it made a big difference. I’d love to hear from Somers residents about what would help them feel more connected and informed, whether that’s a better website, more community updates, or something else entirely.
I also believe residents should be part of the conversation from the very beginning of any new initiative, not just when a plan is nearly finished—like what’s currently happening with Reis Park. Surveys, listening sessions, and early‑stage discussions can help make sure everyone’s voice is part of the process.
Q: What do you love most about Somers?
A: Our town is such a beautiful place, and it’s easy to fall in love with the landscape. But what really stands out to me is the people of Somers. Everyone I’ve met has been warm, generous, and genuinely invested in their community. There’s a real sense of caring here, both for neighbors and for the environment around us.
Q: What’s your go‑to place in Somers—the spot that instantly makes you feel connected to the town—and why does it matter to you?
A: Reis Park and the Library are two places that always make me feel connected. Reis Park is full of energy—kids playing, families gathering, people enjoying the outdoors. It’s a reminder of how important community spaces are. And the Library is such a gem. I’m on the Friends of the Library Board, and I’m constantly amazed by how much the Library offers to residents of all ages. Not every town has resources like these, and I think they’re part of what makes Somers so special.
A: I’ve always loved being involved in my community. In my previous town, I served as a Committeewoman and later as Mayor, and those experiences showed me how meaningful it can be when residents and local government work together. I’d like to bring that same energy and collaboration to the Somers Town Board.
Throughout my career in public service and in health care finance, I’ve learned that good communication is everything. People need to feel heard, and they need to know their ideas matter. I also believe that local leaders shouldn’t be afraid to step outside their comfort zones—whether that means exploring new approaches or partnering with neighboring towns on shared challenges. Collaboration can open doors that wouldn’t be possible otherwise.
Q: What do you see as the most pressing challenges facing Somers right now?
A: One of the biggest challenges we’re facing is the rising cost of energy, especially our electricity. Families and businesses are feeling it, and I think we need to look at both short‑term and long‑term solutions. That includes working with county and state partners and also exploring renewable energy options that could save money over time.
I’m also passionate about protecting our open space—our town parks and woodlands are part of what makes Somers such a special place. I’d like to work closely with the Planning Board, Zoning Board, and the Energy and Environment Committee to create long‑term plans that keep these areas healthy and accessible to all. I want residents to feel confident that future land‑use decisions support the character of our town and avoid choices, like data centers, that could lead to overdevelopment or strain our resources.
Q: What does transparency in local government mean to you, and how will you ensure Somers residents stay informed and engaged?
A: To me, transparency means being available, approachable, and open about how decisions are made. It’s not just about what happens at Town Board meetings—it’s about making sure people can easily find information and understand what’s going on.
In my previous town, residents told us they wanted a more user‑friendly website with clear, organized information. We redesigned it so people could quickly find what they needed, and it made a big difference. I’d love to hear from Somers residents about what would help them feel more connected and informed, whether that’s a better website, more community updates, or something else entirely.
I also believe residents should be part of the conversation from the very beginning of any new initiative, not just when a plan is nearly finished—like what’s currently happening with Reis Park. Surveys, listening sessions, and early‑stage discussions can help make sure everyone’s voice is part of the process.
Q: What do you love most about Somers?
A: Our town is such a beautiful place, and it’s easy to fall in love with the landscape. But what really stands out to me is the people of Somers. Everyone I’ve met has been warm, generous, and genuinely invested in their community. There’s a real sense of caring here, both for neighbors and for the environment around us.
Q: What’s your go‑to place in Somers—the spot that instantly makes you feel connected to the town—and why does it matter to you?
A: Reis Park and the Library are two places that always make me feel connected. Reis Park is full of energy—kids playing, families gathering, people enjoying the outdoors. It’s a reminder of how important community spaces are. And the Library is such a gem. I’m on the Friends of the Library Board, and I’m constantly amazed by how much the Library offers to residents of all ages. Not every town has resources like these, and I think they’re part of what makes Somers so special.
