To the Editor:

In just a couple of weeks on November 2, 2021 we need to make our voices heard! On election day this year I will be casting my vote for Mrs. Karen McAuliffe for Canton Town Supervisor, please consider joining me.

Over the last six years serving as the Mayor of the Village of Rensselaer Falls I have learned a lot. One of the lessons I have come to understand is trust. When I witnessed first hand the transition of a Town Supervisor in 2018, I realized how untrustworthy some politicians can be. As the previous administration left and the new administration stepped in it was obvious the Town government was changing.

Changes that came with the election of the current supervisor was a lack of understanding of the electorit, the Town outside is not the same as the Village of Canton. The supervisor also finds it convenient to hide behind what she calls the “integrity of the process” or what I like to say, blame someone else. The current supervisor was instrumental in her first year on the job in cutting in kind services to our local fire departments, resulting in adding more burdensome costs to the four volunteer departments within the Town.

The supervisor has meteled in every department within the Town. This form of micromanagement has resulted in numerous resignations and early retirements of Town employees and elected officials. The continual turnover of personnel should indicate a lack of loyalty and trust surrounding the governing body. However, the current board does not seem to notice. It is also noteworthy to point out that the current supervisor has to explain to the residents what a CFO is but doesn't read the supervisors report at public meetings.

This is all while taking credit for the financial policies put in place by the previous administration. Contracting with the accounting firm that Town still uses today was put in place before Ms. Ashley was even elected.

Understanding that we need to look forward and focus on the good our Town has to offer, it is fair to say we need to put the past in the past. I am confident in saying Mrs. McAuliffe is the correct person to lead us in the right direction. We have talked, she participates in monthly Town board meetings, she is intune to the people's voice and she has a vision for a better Canton community.

With her family and neighbor first approach and your vote, we will start to see the mend of divisions. With her guidance and experience put in play we will reestablish a positive, loyal, atmosphere within the municipal building. Karen’s accomplishments in human resources, accounting, and payroll will help streamline the job of Town Supervisor and get us back on track to do the people's work again.

Be sure to send Karen a message or stop by one of her two Meet & Greet sessions to hear directly from her.

Michael S. Hammond
Mayor, Rensselaer Falls