X

Kocher would seek prosperity for Canton

Posted 10/31/14

To the Editor: I have lived and worked in Canton most of my life (graduate of Canton Central HS, SUNY Canton, and Clarkson University) and hope to remain here for the duration. With my business …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Log in

Kocher would seek prosperity for Canton

Posted

To the Editor:

I have lived and worked in Canton most of my life (graduate of Canton Central HS, SUNY Canton, and Clarkson University) and hope to remain here for the duration. With my business expertise and deep-rooted passion for Canton, I aim to ensure the long-term prosperity of Canton, its citizenry, and business community. I ask Canton residents to vote Nick Kocher for Village Trustee.

We need local leaders who are running to serve Canton, not to push their special interests. We need a candidate who can focus on the economic development and financial management component of village operations. Throughout my eight-years as an assistant professor at SUNY Canton, I have taught various courses in the areas of finance and marketing. My background allows me to bring sound financial decision making to the Village Board and develop an effective economic development strategy for promoting existing and attracting new business.

Beyond essential services, the main focus of the Village Board should be addressing our high property taxes. I applaud the Village Board for stabilizing property taxes and refocusing on true economic development, but I believe much more needs to be done. In a time when many residents are struggling to justify the high property taxes, the village should be focused on minimizing non-essential spending.

We need an economic development policy which prioritizes projects with a direct economic impact on the community (e.g. development of taxable/for-profit businesses). The Midtown Plaza behind McDonalds is a prime example. This property has been an eyesore for more than a decade. We need more proactive measures to develop this property. Long-time residents will remember a time when the Midtown Plaza flourished with businesses such as Axtell Sports, The Jubilee, and Smith’s Department Store. I am convinced, if we work together as a community and engage the two universities as partners; we can once again turn this property into a driver of economic growth.

We underutilize our universities. Both universities have highly talented faculty and students. Let us engage these resources to help move Canton forward and do so using a low cost approach. Canton needs more of this type of creativity in using limited resources to achieve big results.

I am the candidate that best exhibits the professionalism, expertise, and innovative thinking required to move Canton forward. On November 4, please vote Nick Kocher for Village Trustee.

Nick Kocher

Canton