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Election time can be ugly. The contest for Ossining’s mayor has not been an exception. As I watch the mud-slinging and vitriol on social media – not from the candidates but from community members -- a lot of claims and supposition are being made by each candidates’ supporters. Victoria Gearity already has successfully created quality programs, community outreach, transparency, collaboration and a host of other wonderful things that have changed the tenor in which our local government works.
I share with you the wonderful things I have had the pleasure to collaborate with her on to make Greater Ossining a better place:
Green Ossining
The first is Ossining’s community-based environmental resource group, whose goals are reducing our community’s carbon footprint and finding collaborative solutions to reduce energy consumption in residents' homes and businesses. Victoria became an enthusiastic member before becoming a trustee. Her ideas, ownership of responsibilities, facilitation and collaboration with community members helped Green Ossining create the most successful and meaningful Earth Day event in Ossining’s history last April.
Ossining Documentary & Discussion Series
This series serves to bring relevant topics to the community by screening documentaries, which are followed by experts who field questions. The series' concept and platform was Victoria’s brainchild. Her thoughtful assessments, direction and collaboration have helped us select appropriate films and panelists. The recognition just earned the series a grant from Arts Westchester.
Energize Ossining
In 2012, Victoria and I offered to become Ossining’s community liaisons for this state-funded energy efficiency program. The program’s objectives were helping homeowners save money and use less energy by offering free home-energy assessments.
Through Victoria’s collaboration and perseverance, Ossining has become the largest Westchester community to benefit from the program. It has the largest number homeowners saving money through program.
Grow Ossining
This is a community-based investment fund whose aim is allowing community members to invest in Ossining's historic downtown Main Street Business District.
Victoria recognizes Ossining’s Main Street is such a vital artery to the city's long-term economic health – she supports this community-based organization in its efforts to build a greater downtown through "locavesting".
If what we ask of government is reflecting and representing the people’s needs, then I assure you Victoria’s ability to willingly listen to those needs, act in the interest of them, take care in thinking about them and weigh the balance needed in making hard decisions, will serve you well.
One vote can make a difference so please show up to the polls on Sept. 9 for the Mayoral Primary Election. I don’t think you can do better than Victoria Gearity for Mayor.
Suzie Ross
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