Honesty and experience wanted for office in Cairo

To the editor:

It was with amazement that I saw several signs for a person running for tax collector in Cairo that said "lower taxes."  I had believed those signs had been removed because it is a false statement that a tax collector can lower taxes, but the signs are still out there.

It is only a town board that can lower, or raise, town taxes. The only duty of the tax collector is to make certain that all taxes levied are paid by the property owners.  

It makes me wonder whether the person running really understands what the position of tax collector entails.  It also makes me wonder if the person running really does understand but maybe is using the "lower taxes" sign as a dishonest ploy to get votes from a populace that might not understand that the duty of the tax collector is to collect taxes, not to lower or raise them.  

I don't denounce the overly busy populace who trusts those running for office to be truthful in their campaign materials, but I am concerned about the one person running, and whether the person is ignorant of the job duties or dishonest in trying to get votes from those of us who would love our tax burden be lower.  A third option is that the person is being persuaded by those who encouraged her to run to use the false statement.  

I find ignorance more forgivable, intentional dishonesty unforgivable, and willingness to be duped to using false statements by others questionable regarding both ignorance and dishonesty as well as  integrity.  I am not denouncing the person, she might be smart and well meaning, but the signs make me wonder.

Regardless the signs or the rationale behind them that person will not be getting my vote. .  

The person who will be getting my vote for tax collector is Susan Hilgendorff who comes from a long time Cairo family and who has been in the tax collector's office in Cairo for close to two decades.  As her sign says, experience matters.  What also matters with Susan is years of building friendly relationships with all taxpayers in Cairo, regardless political stripe, and a deep concern and love for the town of Cairo.  And all who know and love her recognize that Susan is very knowledgeable and very honest.  

For those who find voting on the Democratic line anathema, Susan is also on the Cairo First line and those who believe in her years of experience and concern for the town can vote for her there.

And while voting for Susan, consider voting for Stephanie Fisher for supervisor, she has experience as a school superintendent in a huge district, with a budget of multi millions for multiple departments (among other notable experiences). She has chosen Cairo as her permanent home along with her hometown born-and-raised husband David Fisher who is also running for town council on the platform to make the town more transparent.  

All three candidates can be found on both the Cairo First and the Democratic lines.  Which reminds me to appeal to all Cairo Democrats―over 1,000 of us―to get out and vote and make Cairo part of the inevitable blue tsunami.  

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Mary T. Finneran

Cairo Democratic Committee Chair

Cairo, NY

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The views expressed in letters to the editor are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Porcupine Soup.

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