Gardner Joins Hartwick United Ticket in Bid for Town Council

HARTWICK—Hartwick resident JoAnn Gardner, a teaching assistant at Cooperstown Central School and a former film and television producer, has announced her decision to run for Hartwick Town Council in this November’s election. Gardner will appear on the Hartwick United ticket, along with fellow council candidate Caren Kelsey and town supervisor candidate Cody Moore.

According to a press release, Gardner, who grew up in a small New England town similar to Hartwick, has worked at CCS since 2016, when she relocated to the area from New York City. While living in the city, Gardner spent 15 years working in film and television, where she worked with Teamsters and other industry union members, prepared budgets, collaborated with producers, and oversaw production crews.

“This kind of work experience has prepared me well for my interest in serving the town,” said Gardner. “I have also attended numerous meetings of the Hartwick Town Council, and that has provided me with invaluable insight into how local government works on a practical basis.”

Active in the local community, Gardner also serves as an advisor to the award-winning CCS media team and sits on the steering committee of Glimmerglass Film Days.

Growing up in a small town with a family affected by serious illness has shaped Gardner’s career, she said in the press release.

“While I have many fond memories of riding bikes with my best friend, spending countless hours at our town library, and walking my two pet geese down the street, life was not always idyllic,” she recalled.

“Like most people, my family had its challenges. My older brother was diagnosed as schizophrenic when he was a teenager. Soon after, my father became ill, leaving my mother to fend for all of us. My mother is a masterclass in grit and determination. She taught me what it means to be a fighter and that community means taking care of each other,” Gardner said.

Gardner is determined to help Hartwick advance socially and economically, especially when it comes to the town’s children.

“We have made many friends in the area and are blessed to call Hartwick home,” Gardner continued. “I am running to be part of the town council because of my mother’s example. I want to be of service to the people of Hartwick and especially to the kids I see every day at the school.

“In order for our children to grow and thrive in Hartwick well into adulthood, they need people in town government right now who are supporting their families and working together for their future,” Gardner said.

For more information on Gardner’s campaign, visit the Facebook page for “Hartwick United.”