Michael Zierler supports Kerr & Rotzler for New Paltz

This Tuesday join me in writing-in Don Kerr and Rebecca Rotzler to be our next Village Trustees. Rebecca and Don have devoted years to serving our community both as volunteers and as elected officials. They have served on numerous boards and committees, often chairing them. And every time they have brought energy, vision, patience, and respect for others to the tasks at hand. I served with Rebecca for three years on the Village Board when she was Deputy Mayor. She worked tirelessly on behalf of our emergency service personnel, helped oversee Village finances as a member of the Finance Committee, and drafted the Village’s affordable housing law, to name only some of her accomplishments. Importantly, I could trust Rebecca to come prepared to meetings and to listen carefully to different points of view. I have watched Don serve for many years on our school board including as President. Recently, I had the opportunity to work with Don and Rebecca on a committee that Don spearheaded and chaired. Our charge was to identify ways to improve New Paltz’s commercial tax base. We set out to identify locations where development would be viable and likely acceptable to the community. We also identified types of businesses that we would like to see. We reached out to Ulster County government to assist us in making these development projects happen. Finally, Don and members of this committee presented our report to the Town Board so that they could implement our recommendations. The remarkable thing about Don was the skills he brought to lead this politically diverse group of citizens towards these common goals. He used everyone’s strengths to our best advantage. He led by example, getting his responsibilities done on time, and reaching out to help whenever it was needed. What the Village Board sorely needs now are people like Rebecca and Don. People who respect their colleagues, and who respect the public even if they disagree with the Village Board. We need Don and Rebecca because they will bring civility and professionalism to the Village Board. And most importantly, they will work on behalf of all Village residents. We need Don and Rebecca’s years of experience, their passion, and their work ethic. Please write in Don Kerr and Rebecca Rotzler on Tuesday May 7.

Michael Zierler