Ann Eckman

Ann Eckman has announced her candidacy for re-election to the position of councilwoman for the Town of Pomfret Board.

“I am proud to be a member of the Pomfret board. We work well together, with no regard to political affiliation, to provide the best for the town of Pomfret residents,” she said. “Water has been the most pressing issue and we have been successful in obtaining millions in funding to expand installation of water lines in the North End Water District (not to be confused with the North County Water District). We are currently preparing to go out to bid for Phase 2 and are awaiting word on our application for Phase 3. Our employees continue to be the heart of our town – I support them completely as a dedicated, hard-working group of individuals.”

“Other projects we have been successful in obtaining funding for or are seeking funds for are: Salt Barn, replacement of the wall at Pioneer Cemetery, sewer district expansion throughout the Town, and Berry Road and Chestnut Road Water Districts water line replacement.

“I believe all communities and the boards which represent them need to look at ways to share services, and work more effectively together in order to manage costs/expenses. While sometimes change is difficult and uncomfortable, I see it all as potential for growth and financial stability for the region. The town of Pomfret was the catalyst for the sharing of the town’s Assessor’s Office with the towns of Dunkirk, Hanover and Villenova, with the town of Portland joining the shared service beginning in 2024, something that many are not even aware of. Balancing the needs of the community while managing the tax burden is a difficult process.

“We must provide services that are essential to our residents, ensure our infrastructure is adequate, all while being aware that many residents are unable to continue pay increasing costs. We want people to move here, stay here, work here and flourish here. I am looking forward to continuing to serve the residents of the town of Pomfret and working with other elected officials on all levels, village, county and state, to do what is best for the residents.”

Having lived in Chautauqua County for nearly all her life, she is very familiar with the local area, the needs of the residents and businesses.

Her work experience has included both the public and private sector. Eckman has nine years of lending experience and is employed by Evans Bank, NA as Consumer Loan Processor/Closer and Work Life Solutions Coordinator. She previously worked for the Private Industry Council of Chautauqua County, the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce, and spent 11 years working in Buffalo in the Appraisal Management.

“I love our community and enjoy volunteering to help the community out, I enjoy giving back. My volunteer activities include: Festivals Fredonia as the town liaison, Chautauqua Hospice & Palliative Care Board, Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation Grants Committee Member; I had also spent 15 years volunteering with Relay for Life.”

Eckman is a member of the Fredonia Beaver Club; her family worships at Holy Trinity Catholic Church. She is endorsed by the Democratic and Working Families Parties.

Eckman lives in the village of Fredonia with her husband, Peter. They have one son, Jacob, who lives in Scottsdale, Ariz.