To the editor:

It is my pleasure to endorse my friend and colleague Tim Follos for Wilmington town supervisor.

When you think about Wilmington, what is it that you value? Is it the peacefulness and beauty? The neighbors and loved ones? The vistas, foliage and waterways?

If so, vote for Tim.

Are you looking for someone who cares about Wilmington’s taxpayers? Do you want a town supervisor who is looking out for the programs and activities of our youth? A town supervisor who is first and foremost concerned about protecting Wilmington residents’ quality of life?

If so, you should vote for Tim Follos.

I have attended most of the town board meetings over the past three years. During that time, I have seen Tim put forth dozens of positive, thoughtful and enactable ideas. The number of times that he has been ignored, condescended to, censored and even slandered and gaveled down — simply for speaking up for changes that would improve the lives of the people he represents — most people would have thrown in the towel long ago. I know I would have.

But Tim has held his head high, persevered and motivated others to get involved.

He is the right leader for Wilmington.

Tim will work with his fellow board members to protect our town’s appeal by enacting much-needed changes to our zoning code. And he will depart from “business as usual” and focus on keeping Wilmington under the tax cap for the first time in years. As a town board member, Tim has shown time and time again that it was unnecessary for Wilmington to override the tax cap in recent years.

Changes Tim has initiated and ultimately accomplished as a town board member that helped to DECREASE your taxes include:

1) Increasing short term rental permit fees.

2) Increasing the fees charged for building permits and planning board applications.

3) Spending occupancy tax funds instead of property taxes on tourism-related expenses.

Tim has also made progress in appointing people to the town’s planning and zoning boards. Those boards are much more balanced than they were when he took office.

A town supervisor should be a town’s leader. But they are also the town’s representative in Elizabethtown. I have seen firsthand the amount of time Tim puts into preparation for the town board meetings. I know he will bring the same focus and work ethic to his role as a member of the board of supervisors.

Tim has shown he is motivated, Tim has shown his tenacity and follow-through, and, above all, Tim has shown his devotion to his hometown.

In closing, please know that Tim Follos is the candidate who understands Wilmington’s past and present, who cares about Wilmington’s future, and who will take much-needed action to protect Wilmington’s character and identity — before it is too late.

Please join me and hundreds of others and cast your vote for Tim Follos.

He is the right choice for Wilmington.

Laura Dreissigacker Hooker

Wilmington Town Board member

Wilmington