Christine Cruz-Keefe has announced her candidacy for village trustee in Fredonia and is running in a Democratic primary.

“I am Christine Cruz-Keefe and I am one of the two candidates endorsed by the Fredonia-Pomfret Democratic Party for the position of Village of Fredonia Trustee,” she said.

“Nick Keefe, my husband, and I are life-long residents of the Dunkirk-Fredonia area. We are both graduates of SUNY Fredonia and have raised our two sons, Stephen and Nathan, in Fredonia. We believe in and love our community and have vowed to help in any way to improve the area we call home. As a Spanish teacher at the Fredonia Central School District since 1998, I am committed to the area, our residents and our future. That is why I am running for political office. I view the position of trustee as community service, and I am happy to serve.

“As preparation for this position, I have been meeting with community members to ask serious questions about our current financial situation and possible solutions to our water issues.

“How did we get into this financial crisis, and how do we get out of it? It is easy to understand why we are in this financial situation, and with a simple vote and restructuring the way we operate village government, I believe we can resolve the problem. This does not mean the solution will be easy; it will be difficult and painful, but doable with the right vision on the board. Resolving the water issues will be much more difficult and expensive. I have read the original LaBella Report and have more questions than answers concerning the three options. I feel that we lack a clear understanding as to why the board made their decision.

“I will continue to do my research in order to prepare myself for the position of village trustee. I pledge that I will work hard, be dedicated to the position, and treat people with respect.

“If you are a registered Democrat, please consider voting for me in the primary on June 24, between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. at Wheelock Primary School.”