Michelle Twichell

Michelle Twichell has announced her candidacy for Fredonia village trustee.

“My previous service as village trustee included governing with Democrat and Republican mayors,” she said. “That record includes extending the state Department of Transportation’s metered pedestrian Fredonia Main Street crossing time and reconvening the SUNY Fredonia Campus/Community Coalition.

“My administrative experience in both government and private business allows observation and correction of several areas of village responsibility. Mismanagement of human resources is reflected in workplace harassment by elected officials, job reassignments forced by sole trustees, and premature resignations of department heads. Personal agendas do not serve the public. The village’s largest natural resource, our freshwater supply, is threatened by poor upkeep by village officials at the water reservoir and filtration plant. There is an apparent lack of follow through on the contract as well as a lack of village government direction at the water filtration plant. Our current Municipal Water Supply Needs Assessment should be followed in order to participate in the Northern Chautauqua County Water District, and continue providing essential service to the village, campus and Town of Pomfret.

“As a businesswoman I’m appalled at the incompletely informed and anti-local business decision by our present government to choose an out-of-town provider for village internet/security services. My 15 years of service on the Fredonia Cable Board has shown me the critical importance of working with Dunkirk Fredonia Telephone Company and promoting their many community contributions. Our present board of trustees has failed to recognize Barker Common as a driver of the villages social and business economy. Two years have passed with park closing and restrictions without publication of any site plan drawings or construction timelines.

“I currently enjoy civic duties as a member of the board of directors of the Darwin R. Barker Library and Museum Association where I serve as secretary and worked successfully with Association members to reopen the museum that has been closed for 10 years. As a member of the library Association board I was involved in hiring a new curator and a new director of the library. I’m also a member of the League of Women Voters program committee. I am a frequent presenter of crafts at events promoted by Festivals Fredonia, and I look forward to resuming the annual SUNY Fredonia/Community Spring Egg Hunt which I initiated in 2010 and is the largest event co-sponsored by the college and community members. Volunteerism is critical to the success of any community. But a community also needs leadership.

“Previously registered as an Independent, I’m now honored by the endorsement of Fredonia-Pomfret Democrats. With your vote on November 2, 2021, I will provide sound fiscal leadership, fair management practices and transparent governance to the Board of Trustees of the Village of Fredonia. My email is 4meshell@gmail.com.