This race pits Republican William Gallagher, a longtime assessor in the town, and Democrat Russell Frehling, who has gotten more active in local politics because he believes there has been too much political bickering going on of late.

The town would seem to be in good hands regardless of who gets elected, but Gallagher appears to be the stronger candidate here. Gallagher touts his sizable record of community service, including serving on the town zoning and planning boards and chairing the "Citizens for a Livable Milan,'' formed to defeat a proposed ash dump in the town. For his part, Frehling said there is "way too much politics'' in town government and vows to bring more openness to government. He said local planning and zoning boards in particular should be "not just bipartisan but nonpartisan.'' He said, if elected, he would work to make the town's Web site more accessible and informative.

The candidates expressed similar views on some key issues. They agree the town should continue to fight for comprehensive plan and zoning law changes that have been voided by a judge. The town board is appealing a state Supreme Court ruling that scrapped these changes, citing procedural problems. The town, in part, wants to repeal a floating light industrial zone that has allowed gravel mines to expand, and there has been considerable opposition to such expansions in town. Town residents have raised concerns that a proposed mining operation would cause traffic, noise and dust.

Both candidates also said they would fight proposed changes by the Dutchess County executive, who wants towns to share in the costs of sheriff's patrols and share in some election expenses.

Regarding his opponent, Gallagher said, "I have nothing against him, but where has he been?''

Frehling counters that he and his town council running mates have considerable business experience and that the town has to get a much better grasp on its finances.

Considering all the work he has done on behalf of the town to date, Gallagher seems a good bet here.

Editor's note: The Journal editorial board should point out that, due to various scheduling conflicts, the Milan supervisor candidates were not interviewed in the same room at the same time, which is our ideal and preference. Rather, they were interviewed separately on the phone.