Leonard on experience and commitment

To the editor, Since 1961, everyone elected supervisor has had considerable governmental or financial experience. There is more to this job than just running meetings and signing checks. There are a myriad of administrative details that must be accomplished. Consideration must be given to having a handle on the entire job. When I ran for office the first time, I had spent the previous two years attending Town Board, Planning Board and Budget Meetings to see if I really wanted to do the job and could sustain the meeting schedule. Nothing prepared me for what happened after I got elected, let alone after I became supervisor. I raised a family and I have served the community. I did not run for public office until my two children were out of high school. I served on the board for ten years before becoming supervisor for four. I know what it takes to do this job - 80-hour work weeks are not uncommon. You need the time to do it. No one can do this job alone. You need a good team of people around you. I want the public to know that the people I deal with on a daily basis are reliable, responsible and decent folks. We have our differences, but we have always been able to work as a team. You must be able to do that or nothing works. I wouldn’t trade places with any other supervisor in this county. We have the best people to work with bar none and that includes all the employees as well as elected officials. I am committed to the community. I work hard at paying attention to administrative details that aren’t hot button issues, but ones that positively affect the town and the employees. For instance, I was responsible for the town joining the New York Municipal Insurance Reciprocal as a founding member. We were the 22nd town to join. That was the magic number they needed for formation. We saved $30,000 the first year and have continued saving to this day. I also had the town’s deferred compensation plan for the employees revamped. It doesn’t cost us anything, but it provides the employees with an opportunity to help themselves for the future. These are little things that make a big difference. Thank you for your consideration. Sandy Leonard Monroe Town Supervisor