To the Editor:

I am writing to all the families in the Berne-Knox-Westerlo School District.

Voting for school board members is quickly approaching. All those who are registered can vote on May 15, from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Berne Knox Westerlo secondary school. If you are not registered, you can contact BKW District Clerk Denise Robinson at 518-872-5102.

It is very important that everyone gets out to vote. Your votes do matter! If you want to have your voice heard and board members elected who will represent the best interests, safety, and security of our students, faculty, and staff — you must exercise your right to vote.

With that said, I cannot recommend more highly voting for Randy Bashwinger for BKW’s school board. Mr. Bashwinger has been a resident of the Hilltowns for over 35 years and is a 1989 graduate of BKW.

Randy is a proven leader with a track record of fiscally responsible decision-making and the ability to carefully weigh options to proceed in the best interests of those he represents. He has a history of working as not only a leader but a team player.

In addition, he possesses the ability to prioritize tasks and commitments to fulfill obligations in a timely way. I am confident that the course of action he would take in working with other board members and decisions he would make as a school board member will continue to exhibit those same traits.

Mr. Bashwinger is in touch with, actively involved in, and volunteers for the community. He has children in the school system; therefore, he has a vested interest in making sure that the school acts in the best interests of its students now and in the future. He is committed to making the school system a place where teachers can grow, thrive, and put their best talents to good use.

Randy is committed to ensuring the safety and security of the students at BKW and will work hard to that end. He makes a point of reaching out to residents for their opinions and to hear their concerns. Randy is attentive when asked questions and addresses concerns as quickly as possible. These are all qualities and reasons why Randy would be a great school board member.

I wholeheartedly believe that Randy Bashwinger would not only be an asset to his peers who are already school board members but also to the residents and students in the community. He is the common-sense candidate everyone should cast their vote for. Vote for Randy Bashwinger for BKW School Board member on May 15.

Lisa DeGroff

Westerlo

Editor’s note: Lisa DeGroff is the chairwoman of Westerlo Republican Committee.