To the Editor:

I am writing to support Bob Washo’s candidacy for the Town Council in Canton. Through their work with Little Grasse Foodworks, Bob and his partner, Flip, feed and nourish our community on many levels.

Their CSA not only provides sustainably harvested agriculture, it also helps build community connections and it serves as a wealth of information on the practical skills of local food production as well as broader issues such as the development of sustainable communities.

I’m always stopping by to ask Bob about such things as harvesting potatoes, planting garlic, fertilizing asparagus, and butchering hogs. He is always generous with his time, patient with his audience, and above all his knowledge base is practical and thorough.

His work with the Sustainability Committee in Canton has helped foster numerous initiatives that will help make the most of our community’s resources.

Since I’ve known Bob he has always tried to be involved in the local decision making process and every time I show up at a public meeting, he is in attendance. He is a strong advocate for the long-term health of the Canton community and he is also a good listener and works well “across the aisle”.

He has the ability to respect those he might disagree with, and this is something that is lacking in our country’s political sphere. Bob will make a great addition to the Canton Town Council and he gets my full support.

Phil LaMarche

Assistant Professor of Department of English and Humanities at SUNY Canton