Meet James

James’ dad, Frank Schmitt (who everyone calls “Big Frank”) served in Vietnam with the First Marines. He and his wife Mary moved the family from Mahopac to Pawling when James was about 10 years old and the family set up camp on Quaker Hill.

 “We called it the “family farm” because we raised cows, turkeys and chickens and had an orchard” says James. “All eleven of us had chores every day before and after school. We would feed the animals in the morning and at night and do lots of other odd jobs around the house.”    Frank and Mary’s home is still the family’s center today.  James and his wife Chrissy were married on the property as were four of James’ siblings.  With 16 siblings between them Chrissy and James Schmitt grew up knowing how to be in “the middle of lots of things.”  Their lives together these days are no different.

The couple juggles two young kids, one job, one company to run, one Town Supervisorship, engaging hobbies, sprawling family obligations and numerous charitable commitments.  It can’t possibly be easy, but somehow, they make it look that way and no matter what stay rooted in their beloved Quaker Hill neighborhood. 

“I think the greatest thing about living in this part of Pawling is that it’s so quiet here at nighttime” says James while bouncing toddler Benjamin on his knee. “And, that sense of calm and quiet is something that you see Town-wide” adds Chrissy who has newborn Thomas James squirming in her lap. 

In 2007 James started his current company Schmitt Bros. Excavating & Site Development. Over the last 15 years, James, who works closely with his brother Rob, has built a business with about two dozen employees and 40 pieces of heavy equipment. 

Supervisor Schmitt

As the four term Supervisor of Pawling, James is established yet treats each day on the job as his first day.  As Supervisor, he oversees a budget of $5,000,000, the activities of nine other elected officials, about 25 full time employees and about a dozen part time employees.  His responsibilities include hundreds of sewer customers, 53 miles of Town roads, the Golf Course and both Lakeside and Murrow Parks.  Plus, there are Board Meetings to attend, Sewer Commission meetings, as well as meetings with other Town Supervisors, grants to apply for, and numerous events.  Being Town Supervisor is not a full-time job but it is close and anyone who drives past Town Hall will see James’ truck there almost every day, sometimes all day.

But James loves that he has “an opportunity to be involved in the present and to help shaping the future” of his hometown.  Over the years he’s accomplished a lot which he is quick to point out has been a “total team effort with my elected collogues and Town’s amazing professional staff.”  One council member summed it up by saying “James, hires the best people he can find and then lets them do their work. The result is a better managed Town.”

When asked, James will tell you he is most proud of the team’s accomplishments at Lakeside Park.  “The park itself has come a long way, for sure.  But the number of programs and the way the community enjoys the space is really something.”  He then rattled off a list of programs including “Hiking, walking clubs, disc golf, pickleball, the Great Inflate, Senior Fitness, Toddler Playgroups” and many more.

Giving Back

With so much going on, you might think that James and Chrissy can’t possibly be involved in any of our local charities.  But they make the time to support The Ryan McElroy Children’s Cancer Foundation (where James holds a Board Seat) and the Ty Louis Campbell (TLC) Foundation. More recently, James became a Trustee of the New York State Trooper Signal 30 Benefit Fund.

Accomplishments

  • Over $4 million in debts recovered so far for Town of Pawling since in office 
  • Brought back the CAB (Conservation Advisory Board)
  • Completing rebuilding of the Recreation Department. Camp attendees are at all time high
  • Parks have undergone a complete overhaul haul of trails, parking lots, pickle ball courts, volleyball courts
  • Worked with the current and previous Highway Superintendent to rebuild the equipment and truck inventory in the highway department
  • Tripled the blacktop budget on annual spending of road replacement
  • New programming for our seniors and monthly lunches which see 100+ attendees, which are all paid for by local businesses
  • Seven consecutive years of positive growth at our town owned golf course including, with 2024 being the best year in its history 

Endorsements

James has received numerous endorsements, including these below. Thank you for your support!

  • The Honorable Mike Lawler, U.S. Representative for New York’s 17th Congressional District

  • Marcus J. Molinaro, Dutchess County Executive

  • Kirk Imperati, Sheriff, Dutchess County

  • Kevin Byrne, Putnam County Executive

  • Jake Anderson, son of the late Sheriff “Butch” Anderson

  • Robert Rolison, State Senator

  • Anil Beephan, Jr., State Assemblyman

  • Kevin McConville, Sheriff, Putnam County

  • New York State Police Investigators Association, Local 4, International Union of Police Associations, AFL-CIO

  • Teamsters & Chauffeurs Local 456

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