To the Editor:
(Cazenovia, NY – June 2013) A few elections ago, a strong non-partisan coalition of Cazenovia village residents from all party affiliations worked very hard to get Kurt Wheeler (and others) elected as village trustees. Support remains for the work they started toward community vision, transparency and sound planning for the future; I continue to support Wheeler for mayor.
In subsequent elections, two very effective and hardworking trustees, Amy Mann and Peggy Van Arnam, have also been elected from a community vote not by just party affiliation, but by response to their ideas and work on behalf of a better community.
The willingness of the trustees to work with the mayor in an open, transparent and constructive manner has been not only refreshing, but also effective. We as a community are fortunate.
Not only bringing diversity to the trustees, Mann’s and Van Arnam’s elections have brought two questioning and visionary minds who have taken their challenges and responsibilities as village trustees very seriously. Both take these positions to heart and spend countless hours every week (well beyond just meetings) working for the betterment of Cazenovia.
They take every question seriously and do their best to provide answers and follow-up to constituents as well as issues in front of the board.
Van Arnam, a Cazenovia merchant, has added a strong voice and perspective to the board as she worked tirelessly on Riverside Drive and with community merchants. The challenging parking issue has had many improvements through her leadership with several more in the works.
Mann has provided initiative and leadership on several fronts, in particular on the Tree Commission and the recently completed Carpenter’s Barn project. Her voice and support with the trustees has helped both projects be successful.
Over the past two terms, they have made an extraordinary contribution to the collaborative and functional operation of the village board, and their outstanding counsel has served the board and our community well.
Well-versed on the issues, they raise good questions (and often tough ones) and bring a breadth of observation to the board, which is absolutely critical. They have shown that they have the time, energy and commitment to continue the job.
With more challenging times and issues ahead, I, for one, am anxious to see the trustees continue to function as a strong, vibrant, visionary and cohesive board that continues to show leadership and is not just reactionary.
This board is doing that right now with sound voices representing the many interests within our community.
I heartily endorse Mann’s and Van Arnam’s re-election bids as village trustees and encourage others who are giving this election thoughtful consideration to also endorse and vote for them. Their balanced voice is important to keep on the board, and they are exactly what and whom we need representing our interests.
Ted Bartlett, Cazenovia