Opinion: Ashley truly committed to job, says Lisbon Town Supervisor

To the Editor:

Although I do not reside in the Town of Canton, I can speak to the qualifications of Town Supervisor, Mary Ann Ashley. I have known Supervisor Mary Ann Ashley for over 35 years personally, and have the privilege of working closely with her as Mayor of the Village of Canton and Supervisor of the Town of Canton. Being a newly elected Town Supervisor in 2020, I reached out to Mary Ann for guidance and assistance, and it was evident that Mary Ann has acquired a great deal of experience and knowledge of the Supervisors role in her tenure as Canton Supervisor. She shared some of the new best practices she implemented, as well as various municipal laws and requirements not previously being done.

Many are unaware that the Supervisor is the Town's Chief Executive Officer, as well as the Towns Chief Financial Officer, by New York State Municipal law, and in most Towns the Human Resource Officer. The Supervisor is responsible for the day to day operations of the Town, and any of the numerous times I reached out to Mary Ann, she could be found at her Supervisor Office working on an issue, budget, or project.

She is truly committed to her job, and I can attest that Mary Ann has a deep knowledge and firm grasp on the numerous duties a Supervisor is responsible for, and does an exceptional job carrying them out. As an outsider looking in, she has brought pragmatic solutions and insight into Canton's community needs. She represents her community well wherever she is, and has worked tirelessly over these past four years on behalf of Canton's residents. The results of her commitment show. The Supervisor is one of five votes for moving things forward, and with the progress in the Town of Canton, it is apparent Mary Ann can work with her fellow Board members to get things done.

Mary Ann is honest, hard-working, dedicated, and serves with integrity and honor. I am confident she will continue to excel in her role as Town of Canton Supervisor and urge you to re-elect her to keep Canton moving forward.

William D. Nelson
Supervisor, Town of Lisbon