LETTER from JEANNE DEWEY

Incumbents Can Maintain

The Positive Momentum

To the Editor:

As a Cooperstown village trustee, I have had the privilege of working closely with Mayor Ellen Tillapaugh for the past two years, and with Trustees Joe Membrino and MacGuire Benton for the past one year. We all bring different strengths and ideas to the board, and I firmly believe this benefits Cooperstown.

Ellen has vast knowledge of Cooperstown’s history and has been an integral part of the Village Board since 2011. She is a detail person, and has a deep understanding of the village’s inner workings. (They are far more complex than most people imagine!) She has been an effective leader, moving Cooperstown forward and continuing the progress of the past several years.

Joe has a background in legal public service, specifically pertaining to water rights. The Water & Sewer Board has been fortunate to have his expertise for the past seven years. Joe is also chair of the Village Board’s Finance Committee, which benefits from his attention to detail and fiscal responsibility.

MacGuire is a 2016 CCS grad, dedicated to ensuring Cooperstown is an accessible, transparent and welcoming community for all, now and into the future. His enthusiasm, innovative ideas, and Millennial perspective are a benefit to Cooperstown and
to the Village Board.

It is no secret that Cooperstown’s population is shrinking as well as aging. MacGuire’s perspective as a young person who is dedicated to staying in his hometown and making sure it is an attractive place for future generations is unique to the board.

He is curious, eager, and interested in understanding how different issues facing the Village will affect Cooperstown and its residents. He has made a point of seeking out the ideas and concerns of his constituents and sharing these with the Board.
As a small village in rural Upstate New York, Cooperstown has its challenges, but with the thoughtful, forward-thinking planning of the current mayor and trustees I believe Cooperstown’s future is bright.

I hope you will join me in voting for Mayor Tillapaugh and Trustees Membrino and Benton on March 18, to continue the positive momentum of the past decade.

JEANNE DEWEY
Village Trustee
Cooperstown