The decision to run for Village Mayor once again, albeit this time as a write-in, was not an easy one. I agonized for weeks over whether I should do it or not. However, it is my opinion, that at this particular moment in time the Village stands at the crossroads of critical concerns and extremely important decisions. The construction of the new hospital, the sourcing and availability of safe and affordable water as well as the future of SUNY Fredonia are but three of those issues. All three are closely connected to each other to the point where decisions made for one, will inevitably impact the other two. There are of course many more issues in the Village, problems that affect the quality of our everyday life.
 

The Mayor has limited power in the Village of Fredonia. What he or she has however, is the opportunity and indeed the responsibility to provide leadership. The Mayor is the only person who can contact officially the State or even our US Representative and Senators to discuss issues, make the case and lobby for the Village, ask for money and ideally make them partners to finding solutions to our problems.
 

Over the past few weeks I talked to many people who shared their concerns as well as, sometimes, their sense of uncertainty for the future. Most of them encouraged me to consider a run. I will never be able to express how much that encouragement meant to me as I was trying to make a decision. But now it’s done.
 

I am running for the position of the Mayor of Fredonia as a write-in. Although I am a Democrat, in this election I do not represent any particular party.
 

I don’t have all the answers. I do however, have a deep understanding of the issues as well as the background, the experience and the knowledge to guide us through this crisis and ensure the survival of the Village. I promise to keep an open mind as well as an open and totally transparent government. My vision for the Village includes a safe, livable, walkable community with open, clean, green spaces, an active small business district, good schools and different forms of entertainment available for all. In other words, a University town with all the advantages that come from that as well as from the rich local history and unique geography.
 

Cooperation with our neighboring towns and cities is nothing new to me. I did it before, I understand how it’s done and what it requires and fully intend to do it again. Should I be elected, I promise to work full time, be at the office every day, keep in contact with department heads, stand behind each and everyone of our employees and make myself available to them as well as to the public.
 

As I said in the beginning the decision to run for Mayor was not easy. At the end of the day, however, the reason I decided to do it it’s the same as it was last time; it’s what drove me to become a physician too. Very simply put, I just want to try to make the everyday life of our people better.