To the Editor:

I’m writing this letter in support of Nick Kocher’s run for Canton village trustee. I have known Nick for over 30 years. As a former village trustee, I can confidently say Nick is extremely well qualified to serve as your village trustee. In my mind Nick has the following three traits, which make him the premier candidate for village trustee: expertise, objectivity and passion.

Nick has significant expertise that would benefit the village board. While in college, Nick worked for the Office of Economic Development and created the cantonnewyork.us website as well as other marketing materials to promote Canton and its business community.

Later Nick went on to work for SUNY Canton; first as development officer for the Canton College Foundation and currently as assistant professor in the School of Business for the past seven years. Nick is well informed in the fields of finance and marketing. I believe his professional background makes him ideally suited to the long-term planning and financial management responsibilities of village trustee.

With his background in marketing, Nick is also well positioned to help the village redefine its economic development policy and in general help promote Canton. Nick has other important traits beyond his expertise.

Nick and I are members of different political parties and we often discuss political issues. I find Nick’s political views to be moderate and, more importantly, I find him to be objective and unbiased in his decision-making. Nick will listen to the views of others and make decisions based on the facts, even if it goes against his initial viewpoint. Finally, I should mention Nick’s passion for Canton.

Unlike other young professionals who grew up in Canton, Nick chose to stay in Canton. Talk to Nick about Canton and you can feel how much he enjoys living here and cares about the community. If you knew Richard J. Lobdell, Nick’s grandfather, you would have a better understanding of where Nick gets his passion and desire to serve Canton. His grandfather was postmaster, community volunteer, mayor, and village trustee of Canton. Nick spent several years living with his grandparents during high school and his early college years. It is evident that Mr. Lobdell had a lasting impact on Nick.

I urge you to exercise your right to vote on Nov. 4 and further encourage you to vote for Nick Kocher.

Joseph Frank

Canton