As a lifelong town resident who owns and operates a small business in the village, I can hardly express how dearly I would like to be able to write in a vote for Don Kerr and and Rebecca Rotzler on May 7th. Since I can't do that, I will simply offer this letter as my vote of confidence in their abilities to provide exactly the type of leadership our community needs.
The current village board and joint village/town boards lack a small business perspective and that is clearly reflected in the consolidation discussions. The village is not an island, it is the vibrant heart of our community. We are fortunate enough to live in a community where it is still possible to shop locally. Downtown businesses are the foundation of our economy. The sidewalks of the village are traveled by people from all over the country, as well as the residents of the town. The streetlights shine on everyone. We need trustees who know how important it is to keep New Paltz attractive to new businesses and economically viable for those already established here.
During discussion of all sorts of issues, from planning to budgeting, the village needs trustees at the table who understand the trials and tribulations of small business ownership, but who will not let personal issues or agendas stand in the way of coming to a solution that best serves the common good. When emotions rise at a board table it is essential to have experienced trustees who know how to reign in and focus discussions. In 2010, Don and Rebecca successfully organized a culturally and politically diverse ad hoc group of community members that brought concrete results in the commitment of county funds to lay water and sewer on South Putt Corners Road, enabling businesses to come to New Paltz and increase our tax base. On issues that mattered most, Don regularly led the Board of Education to a unanimous vote, as Rebecca also did to find consensus during her term as Deputy Mayor on the village board. Their mature sensibility will help our village board to work at its best.
Rebecca is one of the hardest-working volunteers I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. She jumps in (often literally!) and gets to work where it is needed. She models respect and accountability in all she does. Don has been the owner of a small business on Main Street for over a decade, chronicles the many facets of our community via his work on our public access committee and in the public access series “A Slice of New Paltz”, and has a remarkable ability to provide a level-headed perspective when tempers run high.
Both Don and Rebecca are public servants who understand and exemplify the meaning of service, who are willing to listen and find common ground, to think outside the box and focus on long-term sustainability. I urge all village residents to write in their votes for Don Kerr and Rebecca Rotzler on May 7th at the village firehouse.
Kathy Preston
New Paltz
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