To the Editor:

So many people ask candidates running for office: "Why are you doing this?" and "What are you going to do?"

I am running for Canton Town Supervisor because change is needed and I know I can do a good job. My plan is to:

1. Conduct a positive campaign.

2. Treat all people with dignity and respect.

3. Serve with integrity and transparency as demonstrated in my past service as school board member, village trustee and mayor.

4. Provide team-based, facilitative leadership/management; create standards of excellence by employing a shared decision-making model.

5. Structure the Supervisor’s office by hiring an independent bookkeeper that will report to the council to assure financial checks and balances.

6. Develop a four-year financial plan; review tax rate and conduct an analysis of debt, spending and revenue ratio; enhance the budget development process, produce audit control measures and periodic independent audits.

7. Support employees, establish fair personnel policies/procedures, identify critical labor, financial, equipment and space needs.

8. Examine committees/programs that support the Canton Community Action Plan and development of the Canton Comprehensive Plan.

9. Participate in continued discussions of consolidating Town, Village and County highway departments and centralized arraignment courts.

10. Collaborate with town community members, municipal boards, fire departments, non-profit/service organizations, colleges, chambers of commerce, businesses, County, State and Federal officials.

I encourage and welcome anyone to contact me with questions, concerns or comments at ashleymaryann@gmail.com or 315-379-9972.

Mary Ann Ashley

Canton town supervisor candidate