Editor, The Spotlight:
I am excited to be running for Bethlehem Town Board. As the co-owner of a small business (McSharry and Associates Realty) my family’s livelihood rises and falls with the success of Bethlehem. As a mother of two children in Bethlehem schools, I have a vested interest in the town’s future. As a social worker, a volunteer for various organizations, and now through my company’s Community Give Back Program I always look for ways to be involved, as I believe civic participation is a responsibility. Running for Town Board is, for me, yet another opportunity to serve my community.
Our community deserves leaders who have a vision for the future and an investment in moving forward. We deserve leaders committed to working together on creative solutions for difficult problems. We want elected officials who will work together cooperatively in the best interests of the voters. The best leaders possess a diversity of work and life experiences and a proven record of prioritizing community service over other motivations. We need leaders who are optimistic about the future of Bethlehem.
Development is among the biggest issues we face as a town. Bethlehem is a unique Albany suburb because we are more than a suburb, we are a community. If elected, I am committed to ensuring that future development is done mindfully and on our terms, not anyone else’s. We need smart ways to diversify our tax base, by encouraging commercial and business development, while remembering that growth should enhance the sense of community that sets Bethlehem apart. Residential development should provide a net gain, not a drain, on our community resources, as well as a supply of diverse housing options so residents, regardless of their life stage, can find a place to live that meets their needs. If elected, I will prioritize maintaining our town character amidst this growth and change. While town character means something different to each of us, we have an abundance of unique resources (the rail trail, our town parks and green spaces, and our town center to name just a few) and the maintenance of these resources is crucial.
There are other important issues facing Bethlehem which I address on my campaign website – www.sasso4bethlehem.com. I am also very interested in hearing about issues from residents so please contact me with your questions or ideas.
I thank you for your support on Election Day. If given the opportunity, I will serve Bethlehem with the highest level of professionalism and dedication.
Julie Sasso
Candidate for Bethlehem Town Board
