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A familiar face has indicated an interest in returning to the position of mayor in the village of Fredonia.
In an email to the OBSERVER on Wednesday, the Committee to Return Athanasia Landis as Mayor of Fredonia has announced a write-in campaign effort. "The village stands at a crossroads of critical concerns," the committee wrote in a letter. "The sourcing of safe and affordable water is within the village's grasp, while its reach extends to the construction of a new Brooks Hospital and the integrity of its SUNY campus.
"Athanasia Landis successfully lobbied for each of these concerns in her first term as mayor. She now seeks to return her proven leadership and fund-raising ability to these, as well as the management of village departments. She is ready to pick-up where she left off.
"It is not only Fredonia's future, but the economic security of Northern Chautauqua County at stake."
While the committee announced Landis' intentions 41 days before the Nov. 7 election, her name will not be on this year's election ballot. Only Democrat Michael Ferguson, who was endorsed by the party, will be listed. Republicans also did not endorse a candidate for mayor.
During her four-year tenure, which ended in 2020, Landis helped the village secure a $2.5 million state grant to help in renovating the Fredonia Opera House and assist in pedestrian improvements that include signage, crosswalk updates and sidewalk replacements that will make downtown a greater destination in years to come.
She also oversaw the elimination of a village administrator and while making major water repairs for James Place residents to eliminate a problem with discolored water.
Members of the committee for Landis include current village Trustees James Lynden and Michelle Twichell as well as former village Trustee Kara Christina and resident Mark Twichell.
Besides the position of mayor, there are three trustee positions open. Candidates include Lynden, Ben Brauchler and Michael C. Barris as Democrats with Republicans running incumbents David Bird and Jon Espersen as well as newcomer Paul Wandel.