To the Editor:
We are Christine Napierski and Amanda Beedle, the Democratic nominees for Guilderland Town Board. Thank you to all the Guilderland Democrats who came out to vote for us in the Democratic primary election and to those who will come out to vote in the general election on Tuesday, Nov. 2, and in early voting between now and Oct. 31. Regardless of your party affiliation or who you vote for, thank you for being a part of the process.

In the campaign leading up to the Democratic primary last June, we were on opposing slates, although both of us knew from our various interactions on the campaign trail, including the League of Women Voters forum, that we share many of the same values and a hard-work ethic that are necessary to preserve and enhance the excellent quality of life we have here in the town of Guilderland. We think the voters saw this, too.

We are campaigning together because we feel we can be an example of how people with diverse opinions can work together to move the town forward. Although we both have issues that we will stand firm on, we have many areas where we have found common ground.

After the primary election, we came together and have been having many constructive discussions, with each other and with residents, about our hopes and concerns for the future of our town. Working together, we came up with key areas that we believe the residents of Guilderland want us to focus on as town board members.  Readers can find these priorities, along with our diverse backgrounds and long history of relevant work and volunteer experience, in our full-page advertisement on another page in this edition of The Enterprise.

Over the past few months, we have been out campaigning in our neighborhoods. We have met many amazing people who have shared with us what Guilderland means to them. We have even made some great new friends.

Thank you for taking the time to talk with us about what you love about Guilderland, and where you think there is room for improvement. We appreciate you opening your doors and listening to our proposed solutions and positive vision for our town.

A few weeks ago, while out knocking on doors, we encountered a Guilderland neighbor who was doing his yard work. At first, he was reluctant to engage with us. After asking us some rapid-fire questions for a minute or two, this neighbor’s interest seemed to have been piqued. This resident turned out to be Paul Grondahl, a columnist for the Times Union. He turned our discussions with him into a column. Thank you, Paul, for taking the time to get to know us and telling our story to so many.

As candidates for Guilderland Town Board, we know there are many issues that elected officials face in public service. Governing a town with diverse populations, neighborhoods, amenities, political party affiliations, and geographies is complicated. 

As members of the town board, we will be committed to making the best decisions possible for all residents of our town. We understand that the best decisions, large and small, are made only after much research, deliberation, and careful consideration of public input.

We are running for town board because we believe that the community should be represented by board members who are involved in a variety of community affairs, and who are firmly committed to researching the matters that come before the town board, and who listen with respect and attention to the opinions of all members of the public who engage in public discussion of the issues.

We are committed to seeing Guilderland be a community that is open and welcoming to all people, that supports local businesses, that offers diverse and accessible recreational opportunities for all residents, and protects the environment.

We are committed to a town government that continues to exhibit fiscal discipline that has allowed our community to enjoy the lowest general town tax rate in Albany County, and that promotes well-planned and careful growth patterns that balance the need for a diverse and expanded tax base with the desire of our residents to preserve the quality of life that brought them and their families to Guilderland in the first place.

We hope that the way we have campaigned together will give you a sense of the kind of town board members we will be. We will listen to the residents we represent and always be fully transparent. We have stood with the residents of Guilderland for many years and will continue to do so as members of your Town Board. You have our word.

Christine Napierski

Amanda Beedle

Democratic nominees

Guilderland Town Board