Anne Padillo runs a small business on Center Street in Ellenville.

Q: How did you or your family come to Ellenville?

A: My son was in therapeutic care here because his father was exposed to Agent Orange in the Vietnam War. It was so early in the research of damage to military vets, in 1987. They didn’t know yet how bad Agent Orange was because we developed it, and our people got hurt.

Q: What do you like about Ellenville?

A: Nothing.

[Later, she offered a different answer]

I want this to be the greatest little city at the foot of the mountain. Did you ever watch the guys hang-glide? Ahh! Do you understand? This is the Jewish Alps. Canal Street got their historical plaque. Last Sunday, Saturday, the Borscht Belt Festival. This August 8, coming, is blueberries. Blueberries! You understand, brother?

Q: What would you change about Ellenville?

A: The devil. It’s the devil’s town.

Q: How do you think Ellenville will be different in ten years?

A: First of all, depending on what this insane maniac in the White House does, there won’t be a planet. I heard in the ‘60s, the ‘70s, that the odd-looking character sitting next to you in the subway that maybe had a funny smell could be Christ in disguise. Be careful what you point fingers at, what you criticize. I’m here to coordinate with the churches that are bending backwards to feed the poor.