During the January 21 meeting, the former fire chief was appointed as the newest member of the board.

When asked about his experience on the board so far, Finger replied: “Well it’s just been that one meeting. I’m just getting my feet wet.”

He added: “I like challenges. It’s a different sort of public service.”

According to board member Nadine Lemmon, four candidates -- including Finger -- were considered for the seat. But ultimately his experience and perspective as an emergency responder helped get him the job.

&Greg has been in the community for a very long time,” Lemmon said. “That’s a huge plus for us. That’s going to be someone who is already up and running when they’re on the board.”

In a town where the communication between the town board and emergency responders hasn’t always been the greatest, Finger’s experience and viewpoint could act as a bridging force, she said.

Lemmon said she thought Finger could help guide the town if they pursue a new fire station. “He has a knowledge base that no one on the board currently has.”

One of the motivating factors to search for a final board member was the upcoming vote on the revamped zoning law.

In January, board members decided not to ask their lawyer to include major changes to that law based on input from the public hearing. Instead, they plan to pass the law as is and work to amend those changes into the code at a later date.

Although he ultimately agreed to not ask the lawyer to include the changes, supervisor Joe Katz expressed misgivings about the law itself and said he might vote against it. Newly elected Warren Wiegand also said he didn’t like the pass-and-amend idea.

So potentially a fifth board member could provide a tie-breaking zoning vote. However, Lemmon said that the interviews were devoid of zoning talk.

&It wasn’t a consideration when we were asking him,” she said, referring to Finger.

However, the newest board member did tell the New Paltz Times that he generally favors the proposed zoning changes and thought they were a “good start.”

Finger, a Democrat, was appointed to a term lasting until December 31, 2008. He said that town will have to focus on smart growth -- balancing commercial with the residential and retaining jobs with new employers.

He added that this would need to be done responsibly. “Those are not easy tasks.”

Board members are expected to make a final vote on the zoning law in March.