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Coburn gets Democratic endorsement in Canton

Posted 10/17/12

To the Editor: I am writing to express my thanks to the Democratic Party for their nomination as candidate for Canton Town Council, and to further introduce myself to the voters of the Canton …

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Coburn gets Democratic endorsement in Canton

Posted

To the Editor:

I am writing to express my thanks to the Democratic Party for their nomination as candidate for Canton Town Council, and to further introduce myself to the voters of the Canton community.

Canton has been my home for over thirty years. I currently work as a middle school principal and my wife, Sarah, is an administrator for an area church. Sarah and I are excited to be raising our three daughters in Canton and are committed to working in support of the community. My record of community service includes work with the Canton Community Fund, the Canton Pee Wee Association, the Alliance for Municipal Power, and Grasse River Heritage. I believe firmly in public service and that every citizen should give back as he/she is able.

My experience in local government includes two stints as a Canton Village Trustee, the first as a mayoral appointee to fulfill the unexpired term of Charlotte Ramsay, and the second as a result of winning the general election as a Democratic candidate in 2010. As a Village Trustee I have worked to promote an open dialogue focused on realistic and responsible development within our community.

For example, I supported revision of the Hawking Law to support greater diversity in commerce, and have more recently engaged in a bipartisan effort with Trustee Ashley to focus on deliberate and collaborative development activities between the Village and Town.

I recognize the hurdles of our rural environment, but feel that both our identity and our opportunity lie in this heritage.

Preservation of cultural landmarks and natural landscapes are of great importance to me, and significant attention must be given to maintaining appropriate focus on their benefits. Considerable effort from numerous stakeholders went into the development of the Local

Waterfront Revitalization Plan and the Canton Community Action Plan in recent years. These documents propose balanced development to nurture local commerce while emphasizing what makes Canton unique. I believe that attention to these recommendations, at both the Village and Town level, is an important step in nurturing a vibrant, sustainable, and successful community. The familiarity and relationships I have cultivated as a Village Trustee will be a significant asset to the

Town Council, as the success of our community lies in leveraging the best of what the Town and Village each have to offer.

In closing, public servants are first and foremost accountable to the taxpayers. Strategic planning, prioritization of needs, and prudent decisions are necessary given the fiscal realities facing communities.

In working toward community goals, candid, inclusive discussions with all interested conversation partners are paramount. Our limited means in the North Country require a pooling of resources and I’ve found that ideas, sentiments, and assets transcend party lines.

I am dedicated to our community and with your support at the polls on Nov. 6 I will work tirelessly on your behalf to continue this important work.

Jesse Coburn

Canton