Robert Stanley

Before the 2025 elections, I spoke with Ulster County Republican leaders about getting involved. They directed me to John Horn. At the time, John Horn was under the weather and told me to discuss it with you, indicating that you were effectively his second-in-command. You had also been elected Town Supervisor multiple times as a Republican.

I spoke with you and exchanged messages several times, but each time the conversation was delayed until it was too late to hold a Republican caucus. As a result, council members Elizabeth Kneissl and Robert Drake were able to run unopposed.

Less than a year into the new term, you entered into a professional services agreement with the Town of Shandaken as Floodplain Consultant. At the March Town Board meeting, that agreement was capped at $15,000 for 2026. By the July meeting, the Town Board had appointed you as Floodplain Administrator (FPA) and increased the compensation cap to $30,000.

UPDATE: Word is spreading quickly. Someone suggested that I contact the Association of State Floodplain Managers at 608-828-3000 to inquire about your Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) status. When I called and mentioned your name, the staff member immediately knew who I was referring to without looking up your record. Based on that conversation, I came away with the impression that your certification status had already been the subject of previous inquiries.According to the information I received, you were previously a Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM), which means you successfully passed the certification examination. However, you have not held an active CFM certification for approximately four years.

In reviewing the CFM program, I also learned that certification must be renewed every two years through continuing education and other renewal requirements. Based on your certification status, it appears you have missed two renewal cycles.

Have you maintained the required Continuing Education Credits (CECs)?

Finally, on February 12, 2025, at 9:01 a.m., you sent me the following message regarding your time in office and Howie McGowan:

“In my defense, I was drinking when I hired Howie. I was sober when we fired him.”

Perhaps it would be best for both you and the Town of Shandaken if you moved on and no longer worked for the Town.