16th Legislative District - Leigh J. Benton

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Personal: (Pedigree)

• Graduate Newburgh Free Academy, 1978
• Graduate Gemological Institute of America, 1982
• Jeweler/Gemologist, GHS Jewelers, Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY
• Jeweler/Gemologist, Cowan’s Jewelers, New Windsor, NY

Business/Government Experience:

• Councilman, Town of Newburgh, 1995-1996
• Member, Town of Newburgh Republican Comm., 1987-Present
• Treasurer, Town of Newburgh Republican Comm., 1993-2005
• Chairman, Town of Newburgh Republican Comm., 2005 to present
• Orange County Legislator, 1998 to present
• O. C. Legislature Rep. NYS DEC Fish & Wildlife Mgmt. Board Region 3
• Member, Orange Co. Foreign Trade Zone No. 37 Management Board

Community Involvement: (Civic Boards, Veterans Associations)

• Newburgh Lions Club
• Hudson River Lodge No. 309 F & AM

Political Affiliation:

• Republican/Conservative

Important Issues:

• The economy and economic development
• Public safety
• Quality of life

County Roles: (Chairs, Committees, Subcommittees, County Boards, Agencies)

• Physical Services Comm., 1998-2005, 2007; Human Services Comm., 1998-2001; Public Safety Comm.,2006; Health & Mental Health Comm., 1998-2001, Chairman, 2008; Environmental
• Facilities & Services Comm., Chairman, 2002-2003; Ways & Means Comm., 2002-2008;
• Education & Economic Development Comm., Chairman, 2004-2008