Issues

Vision

C.J. Brooks is running for the Putnam Valley Town Board with a clear and practical vision: a community that stays true to its roots while moving forward together—transparently, honestly, and united.

C.J. believes that Putnam Valley is at a pivotal moment. Growth is inevitable, but how we grow—and how we protect what makes this town so special—requires thoughtful, collaborative leadership. His vision centers on three core principles:

Transparency

C.J. is committed to open, honest government. He believes residents deserve clear oversight on development and public safety decisions, transparent communication about environmental impacts, and proactive outreach to secure cost-effective solutions—such as grants—to reduce the financial burden on taxpayers.

Honesty

C.J. knows that real leadership means being honest about challenges and realistic about solutions. He supports a balanced approach to business development and environmental protection, and he believes in delivering clear, straightforward information to residents about the true costs and benefits of town initiatives. Infrastructure, in particular, needs urgent, results-driven planning that respects the town's financial limits while addressing long-standing needs.

Connection

Putnam Valley has always been a place where community matters—but in recent years, political divisions have frayed that sense of unity. C.J. wants to help rebuild it. He’s running to reconnect neighbors, find common ground, and bring people from all walks of life together to serve as stewards of our shared home. He believes that with fresh eyes and new energy, we can bridge divides and build a future that reflects everyone's hopes—not just those of one side or another.

"I'm running because I believe Putnam Valley needs leaders who listen, adapt, and lead with heart.”

Proudly Endorsed By

Putnam Valley is a beautiful, welcoming place. We all should feel fortunate to be here. I've been graciously gathering perspectives from my neighbors and community members, but I seek to hear more from the community at large. From these conversations, my perception of the ongoing issues, challenges, and shortfalls has driven me to base my campaign on the following priorities...

#1 Lack of transparency and clarity from our incumbent government.

It's well known that the politicians in office today have had a long-term presence in the community. Being known is something that I hope to obtain. What's clear is that this "business as usual" mentality has increased apathy in our community about our ability to attract needed businesses, while planning boards enforce inefficient and expensive processes for what could easily be straightforward, concise approvals of building plans for businesses and residents. I can see how some poorly managed processes would benefit from breaking out of the echo chamber, with residents' voices being reflected in better and easier processes to positively and mindfully build our community. My plan is to work with the clear foundation that exists and ensure that the wants and needs of the people are represented so change can happen.

#2 The Sense of Working Government

We are getting the projection of what a government representative should be, but not the actual representation. When questions are asked, we are greeted with quick answers that seem matter-of-fact (if not defensive) in nature, but only to appease the voices of people who dare to understand what our local officials are actually doing for us. For every championed grant received or positive pat on the back they provide, we are still left figuring out the truth about budgetary decisions that we were told were for one thing, only to find after the fact that we were misled yet again. I commit to providing a clear display and communication of the budget, detailed explanations about where money is being spent, and proactive communication with residents before decisions are made—not after.

#3 Lack of Representation

The changes in Putnam Valley have been widespread. Though the aesthetic has been mostly unchanged as a new resident, it's clear that I'm not alone in seeing the value of this place. People are coming from varied backgrounds and perspectives that we carry with us to our new home here. This creates a juxtaposition with community members who have lived here for generations. There are many things that would be beautiful to see unchanged, but the reality is that the world is changing rapidly. If we do not pay attention to the growing challenges of the community at large, we have a genuine possibility of losing what makes this place an amazing place to live. We need to understand that our community is ours as a collective—not from trying to go backwards, but being brave enough to step into the present moment and evaluate the needs of all community members from multiple points of view. Hate has no place in Putnam Valley, but we must realize that the only way to challenge hate is by not bowing to it, by showing up to stand by our ideas, and by working together to find or even create common ground on the issues that affect us