To the Editor:

This coming November, the Village of Canton Mayor’s seat is up for election along with two trustee seats. It is with a very heavy heart to announce that I will not be running for a second term due to unforeseen personal circumstances.

It is with a great deal of gratitude to have had the opportunity to serve both as a trustee for three years and mayor for two years. We have accomplished what I vowed to address and never once wavered on being focused on the people. I am especially proud to have brought integrity back to the mayor’s office.

Seven elected people chose to employ a comprehensive strategic planning model to local government. We could not have done this without the hard work of former Trustees Dan McDonnell and Brooke Rouse. With the addition of Beth Larrabee and Dwight Stevenson the momentum continued. Carol Pynchon and Mike Dalton have worked tirelessly these past two years as well.

Implementing a data based decision-making model, we had to make difficult decisions and catch up on critical issues to move forward. Public trust demands integrity and transparency which is exactly how we have served our community.

A three prong infrastructural approach of addressing finances, implementing a human capital campaign and focusing work place environments were our priorities. Not only did we meet the majority of our goals, we went above and beyond responding to opportunities that will benefit Canton.

We did not raise taxes; cut spending, created a zero based budgeting model; realigned financial frameworks; worked on inter municipal agreements; paid off targeted debt and developed fiscal systems for oversight. There has been an increase in securing grants; invested thousands of dollars upgrading our golf course and partnering with the town on upgrades to the municipal building. Securing a fair retroactive police contract, after fours years in negotiations, was very important as well as creating a village economic developer position.

The human capital campaign assured that front line employees and mid level management had the necessary resources to do their jobs. The number of volunteers and civic minded people in Canton is truly heartwarming and adds so much value to making Canton special.

I am truly grateful for this experience and thank the wonderful individuals that were part of this journey. I know in my heart, that Canton will continue to move forward because of "We the People....".

Mary Ann Ashley, Mayor

Village of Canton