LETTER: Patterson for Clay Town Board

To the editor:

Open letter to the town of Clay voter:

I am excited to write to you in support of Maureen Patterson, 2017 Democratic candidate for councilwoman in the town of Clay. In this letter, you will hear of all Maureen’s professional and educational accomplishments. Those speak volumes. In addition, I want to help you to know Maureen, the person.

I have known Maureen for over 35 years. During that time, we have become close friends. Not only did I work with Maureen early in our careers, we spend a considerable amount of our time socially. I have come to know Maureen as a kind, caring and compassionate woman. And when appropriate, a very strong woman, passionate about her beliefs. Maureen believes in the town of Clay, and is committed to representing its residents. Maureen gets the job done, as you will see from her accomplishments below. The above-mentioned qualities, paired with her professional experience and education, make her the best candidate for the Clay Town Council.

Maureen grew up in the village of North Syracuse, graduated from North Syracuse High School, earned her bachelor’s degree in exceptional education and elementary education from SUNY College at Buffalo and attended Syracuse University to earn a master’s degree in interrelated special education. At SUNY College at Oswego she earned a Certificate of Advanced Studies in educational leadership. She then earned her doctorate in organizational leadership at Columbia University, her highest honor.

Maureen’s 36-plus year career in teaching and administration spanned Oswego County BOCES, North Syracuse schools and Liverpool schools, from which she retired in July 2016 after a career as an elementary and high school principal and the assistant superintendent for curriculum, instruction and assessment. Teaching and leading led to Maureen’s current roles as adjunct professor and supervisor of administrative interns at Le Moyne College, mentor and educational consultant. Maureen is a member of NYSUT (NYS United Teachers.) She continues to be an active member of SAANYS (School Administrators Association of NYS), serving on the Government Relations Committee. She is on the board of directors for Contact Community Services of Central New York, also serving as chairwoman of the board development committee. Maureen is a resident of Clay and member of the Town of Clay Democratic Committee.

Maureen has earned each of the above degrees and positions. Now she wants to earn your vote on Nov. 7 so that she can continue to contribute to her community as Clay Town Councilwoman.

Maureen is eager to network with the residents of Clay, businesses, schools and the council members to promote her three-goal message for a town of Clay connected community:

Enforce government transparency,
Encourage neighborhood revitalization including addressing the numerous ‘zombie’ houses, and
Explore community development that engages the education and business economies of the town in an effort to promote growth.

I hope that the information in this letter has helped, and that you will support Maureen in the voting booth on Nov. 7. Thank you.