I am James E. Handy, candidate for mayor of Gloversville. I feel I best represent the interest of the citizens of the city both young and old alike, along with many unfortunate people who find it difficult to make ends meet.
Relating to these individuals is easy for me because as a young person, I struggled to survive. My parents worked very hard to provide a decent standard of living along with food on the table for a family of seven. Every Christmas Eve, people visited our home for great food prepared by our family. It was the season to give, and that we did.
Never have I forgotten my upbringing. My several years of political experience as Ward 5 councilman and councilman-at-large have provided me the leadership necessary to run this great city of Gloversville.
I have had the pleasure of associating myself with the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, Heart Fund, Cystic Fibrosis, Cancer Fund, Fr. Farano Center (Albany), Ronald McDonald House (Albany), Disabled American Veterans, Railfest (two years of donations totaling $5,000 to the Gloversville senior center), Salvation Army (Gloversville), Gloversville Parade Committee (contributions) and Fulton County Bowling Hall of Fame member.
As mayor, I will set forth every effort to lower our tax rate by seeking aid from New York state and any other vehicle that will assist us in lowering our tax rate in order to attract businesses and residents.
I will work with all city departments to keep the citizenry informed and up to date on city business.
In light of recent developments, I am in strong favor of beefing up our law enforcement.
Many times, small cities and towns are forgotten and aid is forgotten or very small.
We need to raise the standard of living, especially for our seniors and again the less fortunate.
New York state needs to notice us, as we are not going away. We have suffered much anguish through the years due to losses of industry and need replenishment of the same. Gov. Andrew Cuomo, you listen to everyone else, now listen to us here in upstate New York.
I pledge to find the necessary tools to make these improvements.
JAMES E. HANDY
Gloversville
