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To the Editor:
Connect Ghent is proud to endorse Marie Meltz for Ghent Town Board in November’s special election. A native of the Hudson Valley, Marie and her family have devoted themselves to the economic and social success of Columbia County for more than 30 years. They have built a thriving business in Ghent, which continues to expand, currently employing 52 people. We are excited that Marie is willing to give her time and talents to our local board.
Marie was appointed to the Ghent Town Board in December, when a board member resigned due to a family emergency. In just a few months, Marie has stepped up to Co-Chair Ghent Community Day and act as the Board Liaison to the Chatham/Ghent Seniors. She is also a member of the Columbia County Office for the Aging Advisory Council. Whether it’s at Earth Day with a shovel in hand, helping install the ice rink, or working out budget considerations for Ghent Beautification, Marie shows up and does the work.
In addition to being a great choice for the residents, we value the continuity of service Marie’s election will provide to the Board. Following the appointment, the Town must hold this special election in November, but the winner will only serve through 2027, at which time the seat becomes open again. With this in mind, we encourage our neighbors on the Ghent Democratic Committee and the Ghent Republican Committee to join us in endorsing Marie Meltz. A contested election for a one-year term will expend precious time and money that could be better spent elsewhere.
At Connect Ghent, we believe that local governance should be nonpartisan. It doesn’t matter to us which party you support on the national level – this is local, and it’s about people, not party. We are neighbors working together to do what’s best for Ghent. When you remove party from the equation, you select candidates based on the skills they bring and the work they will do. It’s a very compelling approach – of the 13 candidates Connect Ghent has supported, 12 have been elected. As a result, the Town has seen unprecedented success in getting projects done, keeping the budget in line, and rebuilding community. Find us online at connectghent.com to learn more, to join our efforts, or to bring our philosophy to your own community.
Catherine Barufaldi
Town of Ghent