To the Editor:

Elections are just around the corner so, before you go out and vote (which I hope you will do), I want to share why I am voting for Mary Ann Ashley for Canton town supervisor.

Mary Ann cares deeply for her community...as do most of us who live here. She appreciates the loveliness of the villages, towns and countryside donating her salary as former Village of Canton Trustee and Village of Canton mayor to causes that benefit us here in the Town of Canton. She gifted us with kayaks she purchased with her paycheck so those of us who cannot afford to do so or if one wants to try one out or just go for a little paddle, you can do that at the Village of Canton beach on Miner St. Road.

Does generosity qualify a candidate for an elected position? Clearly, it takes more than that.

When Mary Ann takes on a project, she dives in, researching, questioning, listening and educating herself so she can come to a clear understanding of said project. Mary Ann is balanced, smart, serious and a dedicated worker.

Mary Ann maintains her composure, listens, and is honest in her assessments of situations.

As I was driving to Massena today, I was thinking about our local as well as state and national politicians. A thought came to mind. That thought being that we need new blood in our elected offices. We need creative thinkers...not folks who keep doing things because 'that's the way we've always done it.' Times have changed. If we don't keep ourselves up to date, informed and always questioning ourselves: "Is there a better way to do this?" "Should I seek input from others because I can't know it all?" Well...we grow stagnant, complacent and perhaps, make unnecessary mistakes.

I know that most folks who live in the No Co do so because they love it here. I certainly do. I love the mountains, lakes, rivers, valleys, farmlands and the people. With all those beautiful things, we have problems: Low density population, a huge need for more jobs...jobs that pay a living wage. We need health care...affordable...assessable. Our infrastructure needs attention.

And we need joy in our lives.

I sincerely believe that with Mary Ann Ashley taking over the Town of Canton's supervisor's position, we will be closer to realizing those needs and dreams.

Claudia L. MacDonald

Canton