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Civic organizations are key to rebuilding community, says Massena Town Council candidate

Posted 10/30/15

To the Editor: As the election draws near, I find myself reflecting on experiences I have had over the past couple of months. One such observation is that the Massena Town Board and especially Nancy …

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Civic organizations are key to rebuilding community, says Massena Town Council candidate

Posted

To the Editor:

As the election draws near, I find myself reflecting on experiences I have had over the past couple of months. One such observation is that the Massena Town Board and especially Nancy Fregoe, town bookkeeper, should be commended for all of the hard work and positive outcomes that they generate.

Sitting in on the budget hearings (as any good town council candidate does), I am amazed at how they continue to do more with less assessed value in the town. It is clear to me that the members of the board spend a lot of time thinking and working on the budget.

It was also nice to note that the town councilman think not just about the nuts and bolts of running the town, but they also make the effort to acknowledge and facilitate the work that volunteers put forth. This came up as they were reviewing the Rescue Squad budget requests and seeking ways to increase volunteerism in our community. I hope their efforts succeed and more people volunteer.

By listening to what Massena residents are looking to be done in our community, I have discovered that we have a wonderful group of community members who already spend a lot of their time and energy making Massena better.

I was able to spend a day with the Massena Visionaries cleaning out a park near the Alcoa Bridge, I’ve seen Massena Rotary and Lions Club working to improve the community and many of our union memberships like the CSEA and IBEW are working on Christmas parties and coat drives for those in need.

If elected, I will work with and facilitate these worthy groups. This is the Massena that I envision – one that will put the best face possible on the community, that will continue to elevate the willingness to help others, and to keep up and increase the hard work and collaboration that is already being done in our community.

Steve O’Shaughnessy

Massena town council candidate