BY PAUL MITCHELL
North Country This Week

CANTON -- Candidate Bob Santamoor says his decision to seek a seat on the Canton Town Board was fueled by a lack of transparency surrounding the current town board.

“I decided to run when appointments of town officials to town offices were not brought to the citizens of the town of Canton. There was a lack of transparency to the residents of the Town of Canton, which is needed in any government,” said Santamoor, running on the Republican and Conservative party lines..

His management experience, he continued, would make him a good fit on the town board.

“I have 35 years of management experience, 15 years of government leadership, management and finance,” he said. “I grew up in Canton, went to school in Canton and helped raise our three children in Canton. I understand our town, our towns needs and where we should be.”

If elected, Santamoor said his initial focus would be improving the town’s relationship with its citizenry.

“First I will work to improve the image that currently exists between the citizens and the Town of Canton. Transparency is critical in any level of government, the town is no different. I will push to become much more transparent to our citizens.”

“Second, I will work to improve the relationship with the town of Canton staff. Without the staff, nothing can be accomplished. They are the Town of Canton’s best assets,” Santamoor remarked. “I will work to open up lines of communication with staff of the town. I never condone micro managing staff. It never works and there is no place for it here or anywhere. We must trust our staff and show them that trust.”

He said the town board needs to look at common sense laws and that any changes to local law should be vetted by the citizens of the town before laws are enacted.

“I will push to advocate for this,” he stated.

Santamoor also pointed to shared services.

“The board needs to look at shared services much more in depth, I will push to work with village, county and state organizations to determine what works best for all groups,” he noted. “I am vested totally to our citizens. I full understand the needs of our community.”

If elected, what challenges would Santamoor face?

“Developing new revenue streams other than raising taxes. Creating a business friendly atmosphere to veteran businesses and new business, and developing ways to keep our young people from moving away and staying away. What can we do to encourage our young people to return after college? We need good paying jobs which currently are few and far between,” he stated.

“I look forward to serving the residents of the Town of Canton and serve as a voice for everyone. I understand that I work for the citizens and not for any particular party. We, as the saying goes, are in this together. I will always remember this premise and do what’s best for everyone. I will always be the fiduciary you all expect me to be.”