Suan Bigler

SHERIDAN — Susan Bigler is a candidate for Town Board in the November election.

“I was born and raised in the town of Sheridan, daughter of James and Dorothy Dillenburg,” she wrote. “I was a member of the last class in one of the last one-room schoolhouses in Sheridan. I have a deep affection for my hometown and want what’s best for it. A town that has become divided by 4 school districts and 5 zip codes, Sheridan has its work cut out for it to maintain a sense of community.

“Sheridan has a rich history, a lake shore, a strong grape-farming economic base, and there is no reason it should settle to be just a few-mile-stretch between Silver Creek and Fredonia/Dunkirk. A ‘Welcome to Sheridan’ sign should mean something. Improvements require money, but that doesn’t necessarily mean high taxes. The relentless pursuit of funding opportunities and chances for a savings help pay to get things done. I am running for Sheridan Town Council because I want to help get things done.

“After spending several years in retail management, I was employed by the U.S. Postal Service in a variety of positions, from clerk to acting postmaster, in over a dozen local offices. I’m now retired from the USPS and employed part-time as an office assistant in a Sheridan business. I don’t know spare time. I like to fill my time with productive action. I write a monthly column for the OBSERVER Opinion page.

“As President of the Sheridan VFW Auxiliary, I direct fundraising for donations to veteran support organizations. As Treasurer of the Sheridan Historical Society, the Sheridan Cemetery Association, and the Chautauqua County Democratic Committee, I am entrusted with the funds of those organizations. I have become involved with the Silver Creek Festival of Grapes to provide an activity tent for the children. I play in the New Horizons Band and the Cassadaga Area Community Band, which has enabled me to organize several summer concerts for town of Sheridan residents to enjoy. They say if you want to get something done, find a busy person. When I take on a project, I see it to completion.

“The voices of Sheridan residents are important to me, and I listen and try to help. I initiated a referendum in the last election to try to give our residents the say on whether to allow the sale of cannabis in Sheridan. I am endorsed by the Working Families Party and Eleanor’s Legacy, which is an organization that supports the rights of women: to equal pay, job opportunities, affordable child care, and personal health choices. I feel that I can bring my work experience and my memory of Sheridan through a child’s eye to the Town Council to help “Revive Our Pride” and bring back a community spirit to our town. A proud town attracts attention, new residents, and new businesses.

“This is not my first attempt to be elected to a seat on the board. I do not believe this makes me a loser. I believe this makes me determined, persistent, and a serious candidate.

I would appreciate it if you will find my name on the ballot in November and vote for me on either the Democratic or the Working Families line. Thank you, neighbors!”