To the editor:

I would like to urge voters in Cazenovia to re-elect Kristi Anderson and Pat Race. I’d like to stress that neither Kristi nor Pat asked me to write this.

As a town councilman for the last two years, I have had a front row seat to our town government. So I see things that most residents would never be aware of.

Kristi has been a workhorse for our town. I first got to really know Kristi while we both served on the board of CACDA.As the town’s representative on the board , she has been and is integral to securing grants for projects that benefit all of us. On the town board, she has a broad understanding of all the issues and a vast knowledge of the history behind past laws and initiatives. She never shies from taking on a project and she is an invaluable member of our board.

 Pat and I probably would differ on most national political issues. He is a Republican and I am a Democrat. But in local government, at least Cazenovia government, party affiliation is irrelevant. Pat welcomed me to the board almost two years ago and is a resource for me to understand issues. Most residents don’t see all the money that Pat saves our community. Pat is in the paving business and he works very closely with Tim Hunt, our highway superintendent. Being in his business, he is uniquely qualified to work with the highway department, which consumes about half of our budget.

Of personal concern to me us that if Pat is not reelected, that would then make me the worst dressed on the board.

I know there will be a cry for change, and term limits. And it is true both of these candidates have been on the board for a while. I would argue that their experience and knowledge are helpful for the board and for the town. Although there is a minimal amount of pay in this position, the $250 per month (about) that we receive, doesn’t begin to cover the time and effort involved. We all do this willingly, as a service to our community. I believe in term limits in state and federal government officials, but I think the “volunteers” are in a different category.

And I want to be sure to say that although I don’t believe I know Pat Vogl, I want to applaud him for wanting to serve our community. I’ve heard good things about him and I don’t in any way want to belittle his candidacy. After all, he may be a pumpkin customer. I’m just supporting the two candidates I have great respect for with a proven track record.

Jimmy Golub, town councilor

cazenovia