To the Editor:

Hello, my name is Darin Cook, and I am proud to announce my candidacy for Berne Town Board as a Republican. My wife, Anne, and I have called Berne home since 2013. We have been married for 17 wonderful years and, like many of our neighbors, we care deeply about the future of this town.

I am a 30-year veteran of the United States Air Force, Air Force Reserve, and New York Air National Guard. I served at Ground Zero following 9/11, stood in the ashes of the Twin Towers, served in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom (2006–2007), and multiple domestic emergency responses such Hurricane Irene as an Emergency Management Supervisor. I retired as a senior non-commissioned officer.

Today, I work as the director of staff development for one of the Capital District’s largest home-services contractors, where I train technicians in HVAC [heating, ventilation, air-conditioning], plumbing, and electrical trades.

I am also proud to support local trade programs through BOCES [Board of Cooperative Educational Services], Questar, and SEAT [Social Enterprise and Training], helping prepare the next generation for good-paying, essential jobs.

I have spent my entire adult life in the mechanical trades in all roles, business owner, sales, management, training, and recruitment.

I know how to work with all people, generate business, build networks of support, find resources to support goals, and most importantly listen to people’s needs and help them.

If elected, I will focus on practical, community-centered goals. First, I want to help our senior population age in place here in Berne by expanding access to critical support services. Seniors make up over a third of our population, and they deserve to feel secure and supported in their community.

I also believe we need to attract and retain young families in Berne — creating a community where everyone, from our oldest neighbors to our youngest residents, can live, work, and thrive together.

I am committed to making calm, educated, and thoughtful decisions that reflect the best interests of the people of Berne. This is a town where all of us can live and lead productive lives together, and I hope to play a role in shaping that future.

I humbly ask for your support and your vote in the upcoming election. It would be an honor to serve the people of Berne.

Darin Cook

Berne

Editor’s note: Darin Cook is running on the Republican and Conservative lines for a four-year term on the Berne Town Board.