To the Editor:

Among the candidates for the open positions for the Berne Town Council, my first vote will go to James Cooke. Why?

Over the past few years, I have come to know Jim and his wife, Diane, as a result of first working with him as one of the members of the Town of Berne Comprehensive Plan Development Committee. Jim did an admirable job as chairperson over those years.

He was always prepared for each meeting. He had a comprehensive grasp of relevant facts, of town history, and many considerations of the kind that only comes from knowing well a large number of Hilltown residents from some 36 years living here.

He knew how to move the agenda forward with a characteristic blend of attention to detail and diplomacy. Still, on occasion he would be quite firm, but friendly, when a meeting seemed to be shifting off in an unproductive direction or mental cul-de-sac, to get us to move on to the tasks at hand.

As most of my adult career involved strategic management consulting, executive coaching, team building,  and idea marketing, it became quite clear watching Jim in the many committee meetings that Jim was a really effective chairperson.

He is more a man of mature reasoning and alert intelligence with a nose for relevant facts and noting premature conclusions than any number of executives and CEOs with whom I have worked over the decades. He has a genuine care for and interest in others.

And it doesn't hurt that he has a good sense of humor, while being serious when appropriate and not taking himself too seriously.

Jim practices what he preaches, so, for example, when he has told me that he believes that a board member has to represent all the residents of the town, no matter their party, economic situation, age, or political philosophy, I know from observation that is what he does his best to accomplish.

Jim is not wishy-washy. He is firm and action-oriented, without being belligerent or impulsive. I have never found him to be a back biter, rumor monger, or deceitful in any way.

He is not close-minded. He has convictions but is a willing listener who makes time to study issues and explore workable alternatives.

Governing a town and managing a private business (as Jim has done for over 30 years) are different in many ways, but what they have in common is the need to plan ahead; to conceive, implement, and evaluate projects; to procure goods and services; to bargain and negotiate; and to manage employees, budgets, and finances.

Jim brings those hard-earned skills to bear on whatever he does. I know from many conversations with Jim that he is thoughtful and that he provides a consistent voice for careful spending, tight budgeting, and low tax rates.

Also, as couples, we four have become good friends in recent years. As a result, I have had the opportunity to see Jim both in action and in many relaxing laid-back conversations. And we have had many informative conversations about Berne, its history, and the variety of exceptional folks who live here.

Consequently, for all these reasons and more, I am thankful that he is serving our town now as a member of our town council, I encourage Berne voters to join with me in making James Cooke one of your choices for town council on Nov.  7.

Victor Porlier

East Berne