An established small business owner and early childhood educator has decided to make a repeat bid to represent the people in Stockton and Pomfret in the Chautauqua County Legislature. Rebecca White, owner of the family child care program Make New Friends Day Care, said she threw her hat in the ring to bring a new, proactive voice to the people she wants to represent.

In 2007, White missed election by 37 votes running against current Election Commissioner Brian Abram. This time, she is facing off against John Runkle, who was appointed by the district's Republican to complete Abram's unexpired term. White has been endorsed for election by the Democratic, Working Families and Independence Parties.

"I want our children to have the opportunity to stay and prosper right here in Chautauqua County," White said. "If elected, I will do my level best to reduce the tax burden in this county and be aggressive in creating more opportunity and prosperity for all our residents."

White indicated she had a longtime interest in serving the people, especially working families. She has served as a member of several Chautauqua County boards, including her current role as a public policy representative for the Chautauqua County affiliate to the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). She also works closely with the New York State Association for the Education of Young Children and Winning Beginning NY which is a statewide coalition working to inform policy-makers and the public about the many benefits of early care and learning to children, families and society.

White has traveled to Albany and to Washington, D.C., to advocate on behalf of Chautauqua County working families and their children. During visits to congressional representatives on theses trips, she has consistently carried this message: all children deserve every opportunity for success in school and in life. Public policy and strong representation on behalf of children and families are necessary to attain this goal.

White earned a bachelor of arts degree in political science from SUNY Fredonia and an associate in applied science from Jamestown Community College.

"My husband and I have raised our two children in Chautauqua County where I have successfully owned and operated a childcare business for 19 years. I am a proud, lifelong resident of Chautauqua County and look forward to having an opportunity to serve its residents," she said.

Chautauqua County Legislature District Six encompasses Pomfret election districts 7, 8 and 9, as well as the town of Stockton.