To the Editor:

It is often said that politics is a dirty business and that's exactly how I felt when I read the August 8, 2017 WDT Editorial 'Money Madness'.

If, after reading it, you felt as I did that the leadership at the Town of Canton required a decisive change at the top, then I ask that you give serious consideration to the candidacy of Mary Ann Ashely. We are lifelong Republicans and we are supporting her wholeheartedly for the position of Canton town supervisor.

At the town and village level, public office is a service that demands personal sacrifice and its rewards are the satisfaction in knowing that you have done right by the citizens of your community.

You may recall that Mary Ann served as a village Trustee for three years and then as Village Mayor for another two years. But did you know that in her first year she donated all of her salary back to the village to create a kayak rental program for residents?

In the five years of her public service to the village these salary donations to community organizations amounted to approximately $25,000! May Anne gets that service is a selfless undertaking.

My wife Christy and I called her when we heard she might be running for the town supervisor's office. We spent the afternoon getting to know her and her background. She is genuine and she understands and embraces public service.

We are so happy that she has come out of retirement to run for this office. Canton needs a change and Mary Ann is exactly who we need for the office of town supervisor.

Ray and Christy Wilson

Canton