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.
Here is the response from Jackie Whiting, candidate for county legislature, District 5.
As the legislator from Le Roy, one of the issues I'd like to focus on is the I-90/490 interchange. This is one of only two Thruway exits in the state of New York that doesn't have any business development. This has been a point of concern for Le Royans since the Genesee Economic Development Corp. purchased the property years ago.
For all these years, promises have been made to my friends and neighbors in Le Roy about bringing business to that land, but nothing has been done. The main stumbling block to getting that property developed is the lack of essential utility services and I am ready and willing to work with anyone who can prepare that property for business development. I'd like to be a part of helping the GCEDC make this a successful project.
I would also like to serve on the legislature's Human Services Committee, which oversees the county departments that deal with our seniors. I have a long history of senior advocacy having served as program coordinator at both the Genesee County Office for the Aging and The Greens of Le Roy. The continued viability of the Genesee County Nursing Home, one of our most important safety nets and assets, is an issue that lies close to my heart. Our seniors have spent a lifetime paying the taxes that created and supported our nursing home and it is the responsibility of the legislature to do what they can to ensure its continued existence.
I would ask the residents of Le Roy to vote for me because I am a person who gets things done. They know I understand and care for the people of Le Roy and they know I am going to work extremely hard for them. I've spent my entire adult life working to make the great community of Le Roy even better. I serve on the school board, I was president of Le Roy Youth Football and Le Roy Knights, Inc. I am a member of the Le Roy Business Council so I understand the challenges small businesses face. I spend my days and nights promoting our kids, our businesses and our community.
I want to take that experience and dedication to the Genesee County Legislature where I can continue to advocate for our senior citizens, our youth and our business community. I feel I am prepared to do that and I am the only candidate who has been attending legislation subcommittee meetings for the past several months. I will bring knowledge and insight of current county issues right from the start, so I ask for the support of Le Roy residents with their vote on November 8th.
Sincerely, Jackie Whiting
