To the Editor:

Many of you already know me, but to those of you who do not, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Benny Fairchild. I love this village and that is why I'm running for a seat on the village board.

My wife Jamie and I have called Waddington home for seven years and just last year purchased a home in the village. That home is where we will raise our daughter Ali and spend the remaining years of our lives together.

I first moved to St. Lawrence County 11 years ago to work as a newspaper reporter for The Journal in Ogdensburg and since that time I have literally attended more than 500 village, town and school board meetings, including dozens of such meetings in Waddington. While I may be new to the board, I feel that the experience and knowledge I gained over the past 11 years could be a true asset to the village, as I have seen first hand what works and doesn't work in communities all over the region.

While my employment at the newspaper may have prevented me from previously serving as an elected official, it did not stop me from becoming involved in the community, whether it be as a member of the Homecoming Committee, a member of the Economic Development Committee formed by the town several years ago or being involved in the effort to have Waddington named the nation's "Ultimate Fishing Town." I also serve as a volunteer for the Make-A-Wish Foundation and am a member of Waddington Masonic Lodge #393.

Earlier this year I began a new career at United Helpers, where I serve as their Marketing and Communications Coordinator. Not only did that job allow me more time to be there for my family, it also freed up more time for me to dedicate to community service and doing my part to make our little part of the world a better place.

In April I was appointed to the village board following the death of long-time trustee William Shoen. Mr. Shoen was a man I looked up to and admired and it was an honor to follow in his footsteps. I am hoping to continue serving the village of Waddington for many years to come, but first I must earn the right to complete his term.

When you head to the polls on Nov. 3 please consider lending me your support. Voting in Waddington takes place at the municipal building on Maple Street. Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Benny O. Fairchild

Waddington