To the editor:

I am writing in support of Amy Keith McCormick for the town of Franklin clerk/tax collector. She was born and raised in Vermontville, attended school locally, and until recently was a member of the St. Bernard’s School Education Council and Advancement Committee and the fundraising co-chair and treasurer for the Sara-Placid Hockey Association. She also works part-time at the Hot House Garden Center, or maybe you know her from the fame of “Franklin,” the giant snowman that graces Route 3 in snowier winters, which is her family’s creation.

She earned degrees with honors in accounting and business administration, has worked as an accountant, an insurance account executive, and presently is the bookkeeper for her family’s business, Boulder Landscaping LLC. The skills she honed in these positions, such as confidentiality, attention to detail, mathematical accuracy and rapport with customers, would transfer well to the role of town clerk/tax collector.

She communicates clearly and effectively, cares about customer concerns and has endless enthusiasm, evidenced by her knack for drumming up support for community activities and finding strategies to fulfill needs. Amy posts frequently on community pages, keeping people informed while never stirring drama, always practical and positive. Her boundless motivation and stamina mean she is frequently visible around the region. She dives right into the hard, dirty work. I have even seen her sweat-covered and grass-stained, treating the lawn care crew she leads to ice cream at Teddy’s. She pours her enthusiasm and keen organizational skills into all that she does.

For people out there that traditionally vote along party lines, and would never vote for “insert political party here,” know that she is neither registered as a Republican nor a Democrat but an independent thinker who strives to understand all angles of an issue to find fair solutions and consider all who are impacted. I also gently remind readers that party labels are not as applicable on a local level; often, the issues tend to be more personal and pragmatic than national politics. I urge you to consider the accomplishments and goals of Amy as a candidate for this non-voting position.

Many of the reasons that make Amy an excellent choice for the office come naturally. Her long, successful history of achievements and service is not performative exercises intended to garner votes. Character and integrity are rooted in her core being. She will surely continue in her habit of raising awareness and participation, whether or not she earns the role of town clerk/tax collector.

Finally, Amy is eager to serve and invest in the community in a more official capacity than she does currently, hoping to positively impact a wider range. She truly has a servant’s heart along with the professional skills and experience to not only serve, but to lead our community to a more positive and dynamic future. Please give her your vote this election day.

Lindsay Anderson

Vermontville