VOTE IN HARPER’S CHOICE ELECTIONS!

There are four candidates running for three Board of Director vacancies; the terms of office are two years for all vacancies.  The candidates for the Harper’s Choice Village Board are Robert T. Fontaine, Erik M. Avant, Stephen Cook, and Benjamin S. Rubin.

Election Day is Saturday, April 29 from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm at Kahler Hall.  If you will be unable to vote in person, send in your absentee ballot by Friday, April 28 at 5:00 p.m.

BOARD OF DIRECTOR CANDIDATES’ STATEMENTS

ROBERT T. FONTAINE

I would like to continue on the Harper’s Choice Village Board and have submitted my candidate petition for this coming year’s election.  I was re-elected to serve as chair of the Board during this past year.

I have lived in Harper’s Choice since 1988, and I’ve lived in all of its neighborhoods.  My kids went to local schools.  Working on the Village Board gives me an opportunity to be involved with my neighbors in a positive way.

ERIK M. AVANT

As a resident of Columbia for most of my life, I am excited to be taking the next step in giving back to this community by running for this position.  I grew up a few miles away and knew I wanted to stay in Columbia when my wife and I bought our house in 2015. Whether it’s a walk around Wilde Lake, taking our dog to the dog park, or picking up a coffee from Dunkin, I enjoy the many opportunities that I have to get to know my neighbors in Harper’s Choice.  I am running in this election because I believe that community is essential to the success of our village center. I want to play a more active role in making sure that all members of our community feel safe, connected, and that they know their voices are being heard by those making decisions on their behalf.

STEPHEN COOK

Many of you may know that I’ve been a resident of Columbia since 1968, and a Harpers Choice resident since 1990.  I’ve been a member of the Harper’s Choice Village Board since 2011; and ask that you allow me to continue my service to our community.

I spend several hours a week monitoring the village center, Safeway, and the Beaver Kill/Athletic Club area, especially in the evenings and after hours.

I humbly ask for your vote to allow me to continue my service to our community.

BENJAMIN S. RUBIN

It has been my honor and privilege this year to represent the Columbia village in which I was born on the Harper’s Choice Board of Directors. As our village continues to evolve, it is critical that we remain true to the original ideals that created this great community while recognizing the needs of the next generation of residents. I would be honored to continue to contribute to village life and to serve as a bridge between yesterday, today, and tomorrow.