After four years of serving as the supervisor of Milan, John V. Talmage will take some time out to handle personal obligations when his term ends at the end of the year. Fellow Democrat and town board member Ross Williams hopes to run the post Talmage is leaving.

Talmage said he is not seeking a third two-year term as supervisor because personal obligations won't give him enough time to serve.

"This is a job that takes a lot of your time and energy, and I do not feel that I have the time to give for another two years," he stated.

During his time as supervisor, Talmage said the town board has redone the proposed comprehensive plan and has set appropriate steps for Milan to keep its rural character.

"The town has to do good planning if it expects to remain a lovely place to live," Talmage said.

Talmage also is proud of his efforts to bring civil and intelligent discussions on community issues to the town board.

"There is an openness and honesty of our government we feel good about," Talmage stated.

The town board's work, according to Talmage, is not finished. Aspects of the proposed comprehensive plan, which the board plans to vote on again in August, need work, such as population density in the town.

"We're not trying to grow too fast and in an uncontrolled way," Talmage explained.

"We are balancing the need for housing with the need for open space," he said.

Now that he will no longer be sitting on the town board, Talmage supports Williams' candidacy for his job.

"He (Williams) is superb, talented, and has the best interests of the town at heart," Talmage said. "He is the logical candidate for me."

Williams is a town councilman and has served on the town board for the last two years. He also served as chairman of Milan's comprehensive plan committee prior to being elected to the town board.

Williams will try to get the Democratic nomination at the Democratic caucus at Milan Town Hall on Aug. 12 from 2-4 p.m. Running with Williams will be Democrats Steve Siegel and Larry Steel for town board.

According to Williams, the town board has gotten a good start on implementing the comprehensive plan, which is a critical issue in Milan.

Williams said Milan is still battling Red Wing Sand and Gravel over mining, which is an issue he would take on if elected supervisor.

Another issue that would require his attention as supervisor is the Durst Organization's proposed project at the Carvel Country Club that could add 951 new homes across the border of Milan and Pine Plains.

"I feel my experience makes me qualified to (run for supervisor)," Williams said.

Williams appreciates the work Talmage has done in his four years.

"He (Talmage) has set a tone in Milan for open government," according to Williams.

"I'd like to continue that. It's unfortunate that he's not running," he said.