2026 New York General Election

Why are you running for County Legislator? “I have been a resident of Chester for nearly 30 years. I am a husband, father and grandfather. I have been a working member of Local 3, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers for more than 37 years.”

Two candidates vie for District 3 seat on Orange County Legislature

Stephen Diffley is a husband, father, and grandfather.

Stephen Diffley has been a working member of Local 3 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers for more than 37 years.

“Corporate welfare is alive and well in Orange County. Huge companies like Amazon are asking for, and many times receiving, huge tax breaks for new projects with no guarantee of job creation numbers or benefit to the community. The county is being overrun with warehouses. The Orange County Industrial Development Agency (IDA) is already being monitored but I believe we can do better. I feel we should use the IDA to create real benefits for our communities instead of increasing corporate profits. I believe that tax incentives are a useful tool, but they must be used properly to create living wage jobs by working to attract industries other than warehousing.”

Supports using tax incentives offered by Industrial Development Agencies to attract nonwarehouse industries and create living-wage jobs.

- Supports using tax incentives offered by Industrial Development Agencies to attract nonwarehouse industries and create living-wage jobs.

Economy

As part of his campaign, Diffley has emphasized the importance of community engagement in decision-making processes. “I want to hear from the residents of Chester. Their voices matter, and I will make it a priority to involve them in discussions about our town's future,” he said.

2026 Candidates

Plans to prioritize resident involvement in discussions about Chester's future.

- Plans to prioritize resident involvement in discussions about Chester's future.

Public Services

Stephen Diffley is running for Chester Town Council Member, District 3. In a recent interview, he was asked about his stance on local development projects and how they impact the community. “I believe that development should be balanced with the needs of our residents. We need to ensure that any new projects enhance our community and do not detract from the quality of life we currently enjoy,” Diffley stated.

What are the top three things you aim to accomplish if elected? “I will advocate for an independently elected comptroller to oversee the finances of the county’s billion-dollar budget. The fact that Orange County does not have a comptroller with a budget this large is incredible. Affordability is a huge issue facing Orange County. We need to find a way to give our senior citizens and our children the opportunity to stay here in Orange County. I will work with my fellow legislators to form private/public partnerships to build housing that will give our young people and seniors an affordable option.”

Advocates for development that balances residents' needs with the community's quality of life.

Plans to pursue public-private partnerships to build affordable housing for younger people and seniors.

- Advocates for development that balances residents' needs with the community's quality of life.
- Plans to pursue public-private partnerships to build affordable housing for younger people and seniors.

Housing & Urban Development

As of October 22, 2026, Stephen Diffley did not have a website or any information online.

Public Safety

Transportation & Infrastructure

When asked about his views on environmental regulations, Diffley responded, “Protecting our environment is crucial. I support measures that ensure sustainable development while also considering the economic benefits for our town.”

Supports environmental measures for sustainable development while considering economic benefits for the town.

- Supports environmental measures for sustainable development while considering economic benefits for the town.

Energy & the Environment

Stephen Diffley

As of October 22, 2026, Stephen Diffley’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Edward Krutsch

Buket Urgen

As of October 22, 2026, Yael Block did not have a website or any information online.

Yael Block

As of October 22, 2026, Yael Block’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Chester (Orange County) Town Council Member, District 3

Candidates (2)