We've asked each of the candidates in the city council and county legislature races to answer a couple of questions regarding why they're running and what they hope to accomplish if elected. Election Day is Tuesday.
Below is the response from Katie Balbick Bellamy, candidate for Ward 3, Batavia City Council:
Q. What is the primary reason you should get our vote?
I was born and raised in Batavia and have lived here for most of my life. I believe in this city and want to help to proactively solve problems, create new business opportunities and good-paying jobs and overall make Batavia a safe and excellent place to live and raise a family.
I am concerned, willing to work, positive, open-minded and a team player who works together toward a common goal. My education and college degree is in the business area where I have worked since graduation and I know my background will help me on council.
Most of all, I love Batavia and the surrounding area and have a stake in this community. My family and I chose Batavia as the place where we wanted to live. That choice alone is the best reason to demonstrate my resolve and commitment to fulfill the promises I have made to this community if I am elected to serve on city council.
Q. What is the key issue you wish to tackle during your term in office, and how will you go about it?
My top priority for 2012 would be to ensure Batavia remains a great community and place to live. I would fight to keep taxes low and work hard for sidewalks on all city streets, fixing of deteriorated potholes, alcohol and tobacco free parks, promote business opportunities, create good-paying jobs and make sure there are opportunities and incentives for our young people to stay in this community.
I would like to ask you to support me in the upcoming election on November 8th. As a mother with a young family, I believe in our city and want to help make Batavia a better place to live. I would like to make sure the dollars we pay in taxes are spent in a worthwhile and careful manner by city council. I want to live in a safe city and encourage job development. I want to be a part of the process of exploring how the city and town can share resources and consolidate areas where possible to the benefit of both.
If I am elected, I will do my utmost to serve the residents of the 3rd Ward as your city council representative.
If elected will you pledge to
If elected will you pledge to vote against any new taxes and to decriminalize personal marijuana consumption, for consenting adults, in Batavia, New York, like Presidential candidate Ron Paul of Lake Jackson, Texas does? If so, you cool gurl, go for it. Grow you own on everything, organically beeotches and bassturds, just do it now before time runs out. This is a rural farming community afterall, don't get upppity like the big city scumbags. Oh man, they smell like the 1% stinkers.
Never say "If I am elected"
Never say "If I am elected" always say "after I am elected." I should get money for my helpful hints from Jorge but I would just give it to the panhandlers anyway. I have empathy and it pisses me off. Stop that mindbending shit Jesus, I know, I know, but it still pisses me off. How in the hell am I supposed to get rich and be nice too? Perhaps the answer lies in growing popcorn in the front yard, I'm pretty sure I have my mind made up for the Spring already. Exotic varieties only though.