To the Editor:

It is important each and every person votes according to their values, so we will both be voting for Supervisor Matt Kryzak and Councilwoman Amie Burnside.

As I, Richard, was a Westerlo town councilman for four years, it’s refreshing to see a supervisor who is focused on the wellbeing of the town and who has turned our financial status around following a stressful time during COVID and for the first time ever our town has a reserve fund that would last more than a few months.

We both feel Supervisor Kryzak and Councilwoman Burnside are effective advocates for the town, social justice, economic opportunities, and devote a significant amount of time and effort working in the community, including not only their voted positions but continue to improve the parks, support Hometown Heroes, the Westerlo Fire Company, and the Town Museum.

In addition, they both give freely of their time and make donations to local organizations and individuals not affiliated with the town. They continue to have open communication between departments and committees and have built a positive environment for employees. They are advocates and support an open dialog with town residents.

Supervisor Kryzak has proposed and passed budgets with raises for town employees as well as refilling positions that were either eliminated or left vacant during COVID by the past management that were essential to operate the town applicably.

They continue the process of organizing and establishing the legitimacy of all local laws of the town of Westerlo; repealing long-standing existing laws altered by subsequent legislation or constitutional amendments causing duplication and misperception; assuring all local laws are compliant with current legislation and are up to date. 

The town had specialized employees who were hired previously with professional credentials to fill positions in the town that were not covered by our recently disclosed current laws, which have now been corrected.

They both understand how local government works and how to serve to make it better for the residents of Westerlo. They are approachable, engaged, and genuinely committed to serving all the residents of the town. They are not self-serving.

Please join us in voting for the re-election of Matt Kryzak for Westerlo town supervisor and the re-election of Amie Burnside for Westerlo Town Council on Tuesday, Nov. 7, at Westerlo Town Hall.  

Richard and Betty Filkins

Westerlo

Editor’s note: Betty Filkins is a member of the Westerlo Republican Committee.