David Kashman, deputy mayor of Tannersville and a six-year village trustee, is running for mayor, emphasizing responsible economic development, infrastructure upgrades, and government transparency. He has been cross-endorsed by the Mountaintop Republican and Democratic parties and faces former Mayor Lee McGunnigle, who is running as an independent.
A lifelong resident, Kashman owns The Last Chance Antiques & Cheese Cafe, a family business he took over after his father’s passing. He believes his experience as a business owner and public servant has prepared him to lead the village forward.
“We need responsible development that preserves Tannersville’s historic charm while making necessary upgrades to our roads, water systems, and public spaces,” Kashman said. “That means advocating for infrastructure improvements, maintaining fiscal responsibility, and ensuring transparency in decision-making.”
Kashman has played a key role in securing state funding for local projects, including a $1.3 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) grant to improve sidewalks, expand parking, and enhance village connectivity. The project, which will connect South Main Street to Rip Van Winkle Lake, aims to improve walkability and accessibility for residents and visitors alike.
Public safety is another priority. Kashman wants to improve crosswalks, street lighting, and pedestrian pathways. He also plans to launch a mayor’s newsletter to keep residents informed about village initiatives and decisions.
His stance on dissolving the village changed after a detailed analysis and public input. Initially open to the idea, Kashman voted against putting dissolution to a referendum after concluding it wouldn’t benefit residents. “We listened to the people, and the majority clearly wanted to maintain local governance,” he said. The referendum later failed by a wide margin.
Kashman has also pushed back against claims by McGunnigle that the Village Board delayed a solar project that could have saved taxpayers money. He noted that the board secured full state funding for the $500,000 project and moved forward responsibly.
With the election set for March, Kashman is focused on meeting with residents, gathering signatures, and discussing his vision for Tannersville. “The best decisions are made when everyone’s voice is heard,” he said. “I want to continue building a village that works for all of us.”
This profile is part of The Overlook’s ongoing series covering all candidates running for mayor in Tannersville.
Max Oppen is a contributing reporter. Send correspondence to reporting@theoverlooknews.com.
