Erin Cannan candidate for Town Council
Progressive, Principled, Pragmatic

Previous Public Service:
Literacy Volunteer, Member of Dutchess Democratic Women's Caucus, Bard College Campus Community Liaison

What did incumbents fail to accomplish?
During their years in office, the incumbents have not effectively
addressed several issues faced by our community including: land use planning; updated zoning codes; strengthened commercial base; expansion of recreational parks and lands to meet growing needs; or modernized Town Hall operations.

What are your goals?
If elected, I will give young people, families and seniors a real voice in Red Hook's Town Hall, bringing them together to create new energy and contribute new solutions to questions about development, recreational space and taxes.

I want to see families and farmers flourish. I don't want to reminisce about what Red Hook used to look like or be nostalgic for what we have lost. I don't want our open space to be a distant memory. Instead of allowing over-development, I want Red Hook to be open to change without fundamentally changing the character of the place.

What are the issues facing your community?
The rise in taxes, controlled land planning and smart development are increasingly pressing concerns for the town of Red Hook. It is imperative that we organize a balanced approach to these issues in order to maintain the rural character of the place.

How would you address them?
* Breathe new life into government: immediately bring together
kids, families and seniors to develop new ideas and energy through forums and workshops. Encourage and promote real cooperation and networking through community action.

* Reach out to our schools: foster a relationship between the town and school boards to plan and avoid costly school over-crowding by practicing smart development and land use policies.

* Give our community members, young and old, better recreational facilities, along with safe hiking and biking trails.

* Protect cost of living by promoting community-positive business incentives and grant development.

* Create a formal connection between Bard College and the community to enhance and develop programs like the Lifetime Learning Institute for senior citizens, and Red Hook language programs for young children. To expand existing cultural, educational opportunities including tutoring and mentoring programs.

Why should voters elect you?
My experience as the Dean of Students at Bard College these last seven years best prepares me for the work ahead.

I am responsible for the supervision of a staff of twenty-five professionals in nine departments (athletics and recreation, student activities, residence life, health and counseling services, first-year programming, multicultural affairs and crisis hotline) and oversee a budget in excess of one million dollars.

In addition, I oversee the non-academic activities and
programs of the college. I am involved in community development, grant writing, emergency management and conflict mediation, and I believe this professional experience easily translates to the issues found in Town Hall.

My husband and I can't imagine living anywhere but Red Hook because we love the rural character. The beauty of the place speaks to our love of nature and the community speaks to our values. We are attempting to raise our son, save for his education, plan for the long-term care of our parents, and secure our own retirement, all while trying to survive the expense of day to day living. I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to do something about the challenges faced by Red Hook families, young and old.

My combined experiences uniquely positioned to offer a perspective that is not currently represented on the Town Board. Electing me to the Town Board would give families of the twenty-first century a voice in government.