Cairo to decide on supervisor, councilperson and tax collector

CAIRO―The 2026 General Election is Tuesday, November 3, and voters across Greene County will cast their ballots for governor, state comptroller, attorney general, representative for Congress, state Senate, state Assembly and state Supreme Court justice, as well as county coroner and district attorney.

Of the 14 towns in Greene County, only four have contested local races. They include Athens, Cairo, New Baltimore and Windham.

In Cairo, incumbent Debra A. Bogins (R, C) is facing challenge from Stephanie Fisher (D, Cairo First); Incumbent Councilman Stephen G. Brandow (R, C) is facing challenge from David Fisher (D, Cairo First); Incumbent Tax Collector Susan Hilgendorff (D, Cairo First) is facing challenge from Barbara J. Jobson (R, C). Brandow did not respond to the questionnaire.

Candidates were asked a series questions about themselves, their experience and goals, and why they are seeking office. Their responses appear below.

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Debra Bogins

How long have you lived in the town where you are seeking office?

As a lifelong resident of Cairo, I have a unique understanding of our town’s history, values, and challenges. This deep perspective allows me, as Supervisor, to clearly see solutions and anticipate issues before they arise.

What is your current occupation or field of work? If retired, what was your previous occupation?

I currently serve as Cairo town supervisor. I am retired from New York State, where I managed large financial operations and helped draft complex department budgets. That experience taught me the critical importance of protecting taxpayer dollars while keeping budget demands low.

Over my first 10 months in office, I have brought true fiscal restraint to Cairo. Government should never treat taxpayers as an unlimited source of revenue. By cutting waste, leveraging grant funding, and controlling spending, we are keeping property taxes low for working families and seniors on fixed incomes.

Are you active in any community organizations or groups?

As supervisor, I believe it is essential to support our incredible local volunteers and community groups working to make Cairo a wonderful place to live.

Seeing Cairo grow and witnessing Main Street’s continued revitalization is deeply important to me. I meet regularly with local residents, business leaders, and community groups each week. These ongoing conversations ensure that the town board remains responsive to the real needs of our residents.

How long have you held your current office, and have you served in any other elected positions?

I have served as Cairo supervisor for the past 10 months, following 4 years as a town councilwoman. This experience has enabled me to resolve long-standing issues while keeping taxes down.

Together with the Town Board, we are building momentum as we launch an Economic Development group. By actively supporting local businesses and recruiting new commercial development, we will strengthen our local economy and help retain young families in Cairo.

Why should voters support you, and what do you bring to the table that makes you the right candidate for the position?

Experience counts. I will continue to be a full time Supervisor. Over the past 10 months, we have eliminated redundant expenses, corrected past bookkeeping mistakes, and stopped treating taxpayers like a piggy bank.

Key highlights from my first 10 months include:

• Water Rates & Oversight: Stopped all water rate increases, created a Water Department surplus, and recovered uncashed checks in Town Hall desk drawers to collect unpaid district funds.

• Capital & Infrastructure Improvements: Started construction on the new Senior Center, revitalized the Polly Rock Bridge project while securing DOT funding for past cost increases, and secured $5 million in EPA funding for clean drinking water in South Cairo.

• Fiscal Savings: Purchased a gently used ambulance (saving over $250,000) and ended single-fund pooling so funds are allocated directly to specific accounts to track money and eliminate waste.

• Business & Community Growth: Recruited a new Diner to Main Street (arriving in 2027), protected churches/schools with a cannabis dispensary distance moratorium, and secured a $356,000 payment from Cedar Terrace Resort to save sewer district property owners over $1,000,000.

• Support for Residents & Veterans: Adopted a 100% town tax exemption for 100% disabled veterans and initiated housing rule updates to make homeownership more affordable for young families.

Each accomplishment reflects my commitment to protecting taxpayer money and solving tough problems.

If elected, what would be your top priorities?

Advocating for Cairo residents remains my top priority. My key focus areas include:

• Fiscal Responsibility: Improving oversight, pursuing grants, and locating alternative revenue sources to avoid the steep tax hikes seen in neighboring towns.

• Infrastructure & Utilities: Completing essential water and sewer maintenance to repair leaks, stabilize budgets, and create capacity for new business growth.

• Housing & Youth Retention: Updating restrictive rules that make homeownership unaffordable for young families so they can build their futures in Cairo.

• Economic Development: Expanding our commercial tax base to attract good-paying jobs and shift the tax burden away from residential homeowners.

We need real solutions, not just plans. I will keep fighting to keep Cairo affordable and thriving for young families, working residents, and seniors alike.

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Stephanie Fisher

How long have you lived in the town where you are seeking office?

I have been a resident of Cairo since my husband and I purchased his family home in 2007.

What is your current occupation or field of work? If retired, what was your previous occupation?

I am retired after working in P-16 and adult education for over 35 years. Throughout my career I worked to ensure that students and adults had access and opportunity to engage with meaningful learning experiences, and that they could demonstrate knowledge in a variety of settings through multiple means of expression. I was fortunate to work at the local, national and international levels. I see education as a gateway to the future, and I look forward to bringing my passion for learning to the residents of Cairo.

Are you active in any community organizations or groups?

Throughout my life, I have been an advocate and an innovator in building community. I believe that the power of community lies in advocacy for improving outcomes for all individuals, whether it be by addressing food insecurity; providing quality education; developing and supporting programs for underserved populations including veterans, seniors, and animals; and creating systems that allow for growth, and entrepreneurship.

I was a founding member of a food co-op in Buffalo, NY that is still in operation today, serving the community continuously for 50 years. I am currently a member of the Honest Weight Food Coop and Stoneledge Farm CSA. I support the LunchBar Project in Catskill, the Columbia County Sanctuary Movement, Greene County Pride, Greene County Animal Alliance, the Cairo Historical Society, the Cairo Development Foundation, and various thrift organizations in Greene and Columbia County. I am a member of Cairo First and the Cairo Democratic Committee.

Do you currently hold, or have you previously held, any elected office? Have you run for political office in the past?

Editor’s note: Did not answer.

Why should voters support you, and what do you bring to the table that makes you the right candidate for the position? If elected, what would be your top priorities?

As Cairo town supervisor I will bring a commitment to work with everyone to ensure the future of Cairo. From my years in education, I bring extensive knowledge on multi-million dollar budgeting; local, state, and federal grant writing and reporting; servant leadership;  and how to lead so that every person is considered and heard as members of the community should be.  

It is essential that meetings, hearings and agendas be presented in a timely manner so that all constituents can plan and attend meetings to provide input, ask questions, and most importantly, be heard. I have observed when residents attend current board meetings (as I often do), that people are not heard, questions are dismissed, and decisions requiring public input have already been decided. When will town board members and the town supervisor reflect on the questions asked? When I'm elected!

In a time where living expenses for basic needs, feeding a family or putting gas/diesel in a car I believe it is essential for elected officials to be held accountable to both the governance and fiscal responsibilities of the town. I am running to ensure that the community is heard, represented, and is provided with accurate and verifiable information.

I truly believe that questions unite us, and silence divides us, and that the role of the town supervisor is to create space for all residents to ask questions, seek answers, and be heard.

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David Fisher

How long have you lived in the town where you are seeking office?

I was born in Cairo and lived in Cairo until the end of high school. I moved away and in 2007 bought my family’s house. I have been here, since then on and off, full-time again since 2020.

What is your current occupation or field of work? If retired, what was your previous occupation?

I am retired. I was a computer technician.

Are you active in any community organizations or groups?

Cairo Democrats.

Do you currently hold, or have you previously held, any elected office? Have you run for political office in the past?

I have never held public office before. I ran for Cairo Town Board last year.

Why should voters support you, and what do you bring to the table that makes you the right candidate for the position? If elected, what would be your top priorities?

Voters should vote for me, rather than anyone currently on the Board because they run the town like it is their own tree fort. Resolutions are passed by some number code and agendas if published in advance could be as a few hours or you will only know what happened if and when they publish notes of the meetings, days, weeks or months later or not at all. They may be doing everything above board but it smells.

If elected I will:

Publish the agenda 10 days before the meeting.

And notes of the meeting posted within days after the meeting.

Much of what good has come to Cairo has been from others’ work not what the Board has accomplished. Although the current Town Supervisor claims those accomplishments as her own.

Openness and integrity are what I offer.

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Sue Hilgendorff

How long have you been a resident of the Town of Cairo?

I was raised in the hamlet of Round Top here in Greene County where my family owns Winter Clove Resort. Growing up there was an incredible experience and I would not trade those years for any other experience. During my childhood and young adulthood, I met people from all walks of life, formed life-long friendships, learned invaluable lessons and developed a strong work ethic that continues to guide me today.

What is your current occupation or field of work? If retired, what was your previous occupation?

After attending college in New Mexico, I returned to Round top and married the love of my life, Paul Hilgendorff. While raising our three sons, I worked at the resort helping establish it as a well-known and successful vacation destination.

In the years that followed, I worked as a bookkeeper for two well-known excavation companies as well as a popular restaurant in the area. These experiences strengthened my financial and bookkeeping skills and prepared me for the responsibilities of public service.

Are you active in any community organizations or groups?

I have also been an active member of the Cairo United Methodist Church for many years. I serve as chairperson of the Board of Trustees, am a member of the Administrative Council and hold the position of treasurer. I am also a proud member of the Greene County Women’s Cancer League. Additionally, I am on the Board of Trustees of the Round Top Cemetery Association where I served as secretary for many years.

How long have you held your current office, and have you served in any other elected positions?

In 2010, Emily Feeney, the longtime Town of Cairo Tax Collector, asked me to serve as her deputy. I worked alongside Emily for two years, learning the responsibilities of the office and gaining valuable hands-on experience. Following her untimely passing in January 2012, the Town Board asked me to assume the position of Tax Collector until the next election. I accepted that responsibility, ran for the office that fall, and have continued to be elected to serve the residents of Cairo ever since.

I was elected and served on the Cairo-Durham School Board for six consecutive terms, from 1990 until 2008. I was recently inducted into the Cairo-Durham Hall of Fame in recognition of my 18 years of dedicated service to the school district.

Why should voters support you, and what do you bring to the table that makes you the right candidate for the position?

Experience, accuracy and integrity are essential to the position of Town Tax Collector. It has been a privilege to serve in this role for the past 15 years, and I remain grateful for the two years of training and guidance I receive from Emily Feeney.

It is important for the residents to understand that the Tax Collector does not have the authority to raise or lower taxes, nor does the position involve determining or changing property assessments. The responsibility of this office is to collect, process and accurately record tax payments in a timely and accountable manner.

Throughout my tenure, I have maintained accurate financial records and my books have consistently balanced with the Greene County Treasurer’s Office. I have developed an in-depth knowledge of the eGov iTax collection system and the Value Payment online payment program. I have consistently submitted required reports and payments on time and maintained a positive working relationship with both the Greene County Treasurer’s Office and the Office of Real Property Tax Services.

My experience has given me a thorough understanding of the procedures, systems and responsibilities necessary to keep the office running efficiently and reliably. I take these responsibilities seriously and understand the importance of accuracy, accountability and meeting every deadline.

However, serving as Tax Collector is about more than financial transactions. It is also about serving people. I have always made it a priority to treat everyone who visits my office, calls or sends an email with courtesy, patience and respect. I understand that paying taxes is not something anyone looks forward to and residents may have questions, concerns or difficult circumstances. My goal has always been to provide clear information, answer questions whenever possible and direct people to the appropriate individual or office when additional assistance is needed.

If elected, what would be your top priorities?

Public service has been part of my family’s legacy in Cairo for generations. Through my involvement with the town, the school district, my church and other organizations, I have had the privilege of contributing to the community that my family and I have called home for so many years. I remain committed to continuing that tradition of service.

I consider it an honor to serve the residents of the Town of Cairo and I believe my experience, knowledge, attention to detail and a commitment to respectful public service are central to fulfilling the responsibilities of this office.

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Barbara J. Jobson

How long have you lived in the town where you are seeking office?

Having grown up and raised a family in Cairo, we are all truly blessed to experience small town life.   Cairo is a terrific place to live and everyday we can all be thankful.

What is your current occupation or field of work? If retired, what was your previous occupation?

Being retired has afforded me the opportunity to spend time with my grandchildren and volunteer in the community.  For 20 years I served as a secretary at Community Life Church where I assumed many different roles such as financial administrator, bookkeeper and office manager.  Serving the church and local community has been extremely rewarding and I look forward to bringing this spirit and excitement to the Town of Cairo as your tax collector.  

Are you active in any community organizations or groups?

I recently committed to serve as treasurer of the Cairo Chamber of Commerce as we work to re-energize the Chamber and Community Life Church remains a vital part of my weekly activities where I have most recently assisted with coordinating the annual Light the Night community event.  I enjoy supporting my grandchildren through attending their games, concerts and activities.   My commitment to the youth of our community and the church community remains an important part of my life.

Have you previously held elected office or run for political office?

Being elected tax collector would be a great opportunity to serve the community and as a prior fiscal administrator, bookkeeper and manager, Cairo will benefit from a well-rounded public servant with real life professional experience.

Why should voters support you, and what do you bring to the table that makes you the right candidate for the position?

Real life experience counts and as the most well rounded candidate, I am ready to work hard to provide each resident with year round service as their tax collector.  I do not view the tax collector's position as simply a part time job where you work just a few days / weeks a year. I commit to be more responsive and provide greater access for our residents.

If elected, what would be your top priorities?

Focusing on increasing accessibility and working with the Town Board to continue to emphasize fiscal responsibility would be my top priorities.  

Accessibility is focused on being able to run errands when you have time available.

Not everyone is able to run errands during the tax collectors normal business hours which is why I will provide enhanced office hours on Saturdays as well as evening hours.  

People are busy and the days of offering basic business hours simply doesn't work.  I know firsthand how busy life can be and I appreciate it when businesses are open after hours and on weekends.  

As a property owner, mother and grandmother I support “Lower Taxes" and will work every day with the Cairo Town Board, Supervisor Bogins and Councilman Brandow to protect our taxpayer dollars.   Supervisor Bogins and Councilman Brandow's recent announcement that the 2027 Budget contains a 7.60% reduction in taxes, emphasizes the importance that elected officials have “real life” experience.  

Making my fellow taxpayers' lives a bit more affordable, through lower taxes and allowing taxpayers to have a bit more time to run errands is my priority.