My name is Jody Wenzel and I am running for Hopkinton Town Council this November. Our community will be dealing with some difficult and potentially controversial issues over the next few years and now more than ever it’s critical that our elected officials work in the best interest of all residents of the town.

The recent proposed wind turbine project and potential of industrial solar farms have shown some divisions within the community. It is important to elect candidates who will work with all sides to come up with solutions that are the most beneficial to everyone.

When the wind turbine project was being discussed a few years ago, I attended some informational meetings and realized how impactful this project could be to our community. I inquired with town officials as to how I could get involved and before long was appointed to the Hopkinton Wind Advisory Board.

I and the other members of the board spent over a year working on the current law in an effort to both protect our community and ensure that all sides were being represented. I believe the law we created struck a balance between all interested parties while establishing important protections for all residents and the Town of Hopkinton as a whole.

As a Hopkinton resident for the past 20 years, I’ve had the privilege of raising my son in this wonderful community. I originally moved to the North Country to attend Clarkson University and after graduating with a degree in chemical engineering and an MBA, I decided to stay and begin my career here. I have worked in St. Lawrence County for the past two decades, working for local employers and owning businesses here myself. There is no place I’d rather call home.

If elected, I will be available to all constituents and promise to listen and consider all aspects of every situation, as I did as a member of the Hopkinton Wind Advisory Board. I believe this community is very special and I will work tirelessly to ensure it remains that way for future generations.

Over the next several weeks I will be going door-to-door to introduce myself and discuss issues and concerns with residents of Hopkinton. In the meantime, should you wish to reach out to me please do so at electjodywenzel@gmail.com.

Thank you for your consideration, and don’t forget to vote on November 5th!

Jody Wenzel

Hopkinton town council candidate