Kate Farrell

Town Council

email: farrell@towdems.com

Why I am Running

My interest in Millbrook and Town of Washington government was sparked while living at the chapel of the historic Bennett College. The public hearing process and developer application inspired me to become involved in the community that I love.

Working in local government is a demanding task that requires dedication, passion and a keen understanding of the changing needs of constituents.  Creating an open and transparent local government would be one of my highest priorities as I believe that transparency lies at the heart of our democratic process.  As a professional communicator who has traveled internationally and worked on television projects at a network level, my ability to listen, research, and inform while including differing perspectives in the debate will ensure that Town policies and practices are open and inclusive, and truly represent the community at large. Open government means keeping constituents continually informed with press releases, timely posting minutes of meetings on a Town website, considering the entire community when appointing Committees and Boards, publishing yearly budgets, and hiring consultants and contractors through a public bidding process, making certain that conflict of interest is never an issue.

Our town board should seek professional advice on significant matters like the Comprehensive Plan and current zoning practices. We should research and model successful strategies that support owner operated businesses, middle incoming housing, and transportation for seniors.

I represent the residents in the Town of Washington who are interested in maintaining our Town’s rural character and open space not only for its beauty but to manage overburdened infrastructure, school systems and taxes. Well managed growth can be a success for the Town of Washington and it should represent the hopes and dreams of the residents.

As the sixth of eight children, I learned to listen, negotiate and work as a team member.  My 25 years as a TV producer reinforced these skills. When elected, I will emphasize our community's agreements rather than our differences.  As a seasoned communicator and leader, I will ensure that all voices are heard, resolve difficult issues, and work tirelessly to enhance and protect the safe, beautiful and affordable community that all of us treasure.

Bio

Kate has volunteered at Millbrook’s Farmer’s Market for the past three years, instituting a free art table for children. She is currently one of the Market co-managers. She has written several community focused articles for both the Millbrook RoundTable and Millbrook Matters. She lives in the Village with her partner Scott Tumblety. Scott’s daughter, Willow, earns community service hours for Rhinebeck High School working at the Millbrook Farmer’s Market.  

Kate Farrell was involved in her community at an early age, serving as secretary to the Planning Board in Norwood, Pennsylvania while still in high school. Her commitment to community service was inspired early on. Her father, Bill, served on the local Town Council and volunteering was stressed during her twelve years of parochial school training. 

After attending Pennsylvania State University as an undergraduate and Ohio University graduate school, she lived in New York City for 20 years, working as a freelance sports television producer for NBC’s Olympic Unit, ABC, CBS, ESPN and various production companies. Farrell has won four Emmy Awards for her work on the Olympics and a Cine-Golden Eagle Award for her HBO documentary on Ladies' Figure Skating. As Executive Producer at WEtv until 2006, she managed teams of producers, editors and writers while creating and guiding original programming for the network that caters to women. Her WEtv production, "Women at War: Coming Home", won a Gracie Award in 2007.

Kate has served as Vice-President of the Co-op Board of 185 W. Houston Street and on the Consistory of Collegiate Middle Church where she continues to work on media projects including two recent documentaries about New Orleans.