Newfield planning board welcomes new member

On Oct. 11, the town of Newfield’s website announced a vacancy on its planning board. The process to join the planning board involved filling out an application, which was reviewed by both the town board and the planning board. The position was recently filled by Erwin (Tom) Heffron. 

Heffron is a 2021 graduate of Ithaca College and a Newfield resident. After completing his studies, Heffron now works as a budget coordinator at Cornell University. He recently joined the Newfield Planning Board and was officially inducted Dec. 8. This position marks a significant step in his ongoing commitment to his community. 

Heffron is a lifelong member of the Newfield community, with ties to the Covered Bridge Market, which his family once owned. Heffron’s primary objective as a planning board member is to ensure that Newfield residents are thoroughly informed about local developments. According to Heffron, there is a lack of knowledge among residents regarding the planning board’s activities and other areas that could impact them. 

​​“My main goal is to inform the people properly,” said Heffron. “They know the town board, but they don’t really know who the planning board is, and they don’t really know what’s going on.”

Heffron’s involvement is driven by a passion for community engagement, aiming to spark greater interest and participation in planning board meetings. Heffron emphasized the importance of informed decision-making, particularly in matters involving public funds. He advocates for proactive involvement from residents to address issues before they escalate into problems.

“In this new position, I want it clear that I’m doing it for everyone to be informed,” said Heffron. “It doesn’t mean you have to agree on stuff, but it means that you can make an informed decision.”

Beyond fostering awareness, Heffron aspires to bolster support for local businesses within the community. He observed that many Newfield businesses, primarily service-oriented, rely on clientele from outside of the town. Heffron believes in the potential for greater local support and networking to aid these businesses. He aims to bolster support for these businesses from within the local community.

“I think a lot of it is businesses [are] locally not as well known to everyone in the community, or there needs to be more networking and things like that,” said Heffron. “That’s something I would like to personally see, is business supported by other people in the community as well as current businesses maybe expanding.”

Heffron’s goals are multifaceted. He intends to increase public participation, ensure transparency and encourage local business growth. His vision for Newfield is one where informed and engaged citizens collaborate for the collective good. 

“If I have any goals, it is to get as many people involved as possible in what’s going on because it starts small and then it escalates,” said Heffron.

In brief:

The Newfield Lions Club will hold their Chicken N’Biscuit Dinner Saturday, Jan. 13, from 5 to 7 p.m.

Location: Newfield Fire Hall, 77 Main St.

Call 607-564-3594 for more information. 

Dinner includes: Chicken and Gravy, Biscuits, Mashed Potatoes, Veggies, Coffee, Tea, Lemonade, Water, Assorted Homemade Desserts.

Price: Adults: $12, Senior Citizens: $11, Under 12: $5.50