EMAIL TO THE EDITOR: Why I Am Running for Geneseo Town Council

The following is an email submitted by Leah Fletcher to the GeneseeSun.com for publication. The attitudes and ideas expressed below should not be interpreted as the opinion of the GeneseeSun.com.

Geneseo is a wonderful town. My husband and I have loved raising our family here.  I have a deep appreciation of the history and charm of our beautiful valley.  Geneseo has so many things to offer!  My family has enjoyed being a part of the GCS public school system, SUNY Geneseo, Teresa House, Little League, Community Theatre, Rotary Club, farmer’s markets and summer festivals. My family has fond memories of fishing and boating on Conesus Lake.  We have seen the pike spawning at the Conesus Lake inlet in the spring and the Ring of Fire in July.  We have loved watching the crops growing in the fields, historic war planes flying in the sky and the running of the hounds down Main Street.

Community service is something that I strongly believe in.  I would like to be able to work with other community members to keep Geneseo vibrant, affordable and welcoming.  I believe that becoming a public servant means working to help people.

Honesty, integrity, civil discourse and the ability to follow things through to completion are traits that are important to me.  I’d like to see an increase in leaders who also feel these traits are important.

I use science, facts and research to aid in my decision-making processes.  I’d like to see leaders rely more on science and facts to inform policies.

I am interested in learning more about the budget process and would like to help develop long term, sustainable, comprehensive financial goals that maintain key programs and provide for future needs.

Protecting our open spaces, waterways, farmlands and agricultural businesses is something that I support. I have a deep respect for nature and wildlife.

My experiences with scientific research, the GCS Board of Education, the Geneseo Community Players Board of Directors, GCS Drama Club (as a parent volunteer), St Timothy Lutheran Church (as co-finance secretary), and Teresa House (Administrative Director) have given me insights into finances and budget processes of several different organizations.  I have also gained the skill sets needed to work well with varied groups of people.

A few important things I have learned along the way:

1. It’s more helpful to get involved and work towards finding a solution than it is to simply complain about the problem.

 

2. It’s best to put the interests of the organization ahead of your own. There should be no personal vendettas or agendas other than furthering the cause of the organization.

 

3. It’s important to respect each other, anticipate the impact something might have on other parts of the organization, and foster an environment where people are valued first and foremost.

 

4. It’s good to remember that we are smarter together. We may not always agree on everything, but it is vitally important to listen to ideas and work together towards common goals.

One of my fondest wishes is to be an inspiration to others who have never considered running for public office.  I also hope that my sons will contribute to their communities by being involved in public service.  Local government is more important now than ever.  We can make a difference if we stand up for our values.

I hope you will use your voice and vote on November 7, 2017.

Thank you for your consideration,

Leah Fletcher