I love and respect my neighbors and friends who volunteer their time for the Gardiner Democratic Committee, and I am actually personally indebted to their brilliant chairman, Tom Kruglinski, for his generous help regarding a personal matter.  It pains me to see so much unnecessary negativity tossed around on social media, creating much harm. But despite knowing the consequences, I would be morally negligent if I did not honor my conscience and speak my truth: I am compelled to disagree with the Committee’s endorsement for Supervisor.  

When Tim Hunter first wrote to me saying he wanted to run for Supervisor, I was uncertain. But in recent weeks, I have witnessed him grow into the leader that he aspires to be.  He has quickly become more confident and articulate. His corny sense of humor has become polished. About his opponent, Tim quipped, “Marybeth is running on her record. I am running on her record TOO.” 

Malice is not motivating Tim, but rather his conviction that the community needs change now. I have come to believe he’s right. Also, significantly, Tim has steered clear of abuse on social media, and his campaign has been energetic, optimistic and fun.

One of Tim’s characteristics remains immutable: he is a man without a trace of meanness. I know that he resigned from the Gardiner Democratic Committee because of disagreements, but I’ve never heard him say a single negative thing about any of the other members, even in the face of attacks on him.  Tim is annoyingly stoic. 

Tim has stated that he is committed to work with the Dusinberre Road residents near the CLI zone to find sensible limitations that will make our quality of life better. I believe he is the candidate who can finally get it done, and for that reason, he has won my energetic support.  

It’s also powerful that Tim has gained the endorsement of four Gardiner Town Board members, three former and one current: Bill Richards, Janet Kern, Matt Bialecki and Carol Richman. They are all battle-scarred political heavyweights, and their courage to support Tim and oppose the Committee’s endorsed candidate weighs mightily. They are not to be lightly dismissed.

Finally, Tim has four adopted children that he has raised all alone since his wife passed a few years ago. They already know his parental devotion, and now they can also see his political courage — as does our Gardiner community.

Tim deserves all of our support. Only he is committed to enforcing town laws without favoritism. As a longtime veteran of political action on Dusinberre Road, I know exactly what is required, and I am urging all Gardiner Democrats to support Tim.

Tim deserves this chance. VOTE FOR TIM HUNTER!