Editor, The Spotlight;
In the upcoming election, I would encourage people to research the candidates and know the facts before deciding how they are going to vote. I have known Jim Foster for years, and I would encourage others to talk with Jim, and learn more about him.
I first met Jim in 2001 while I was a Chief at a volunteer fire department here in Bethlehem, and I immediately recognized the quality of this individual. As I got to know him, I saw how much he and his family care for this community, and was proud to accept his application to the Elsmere Fire Company, where he is currently an active member. Jim was born and raised in Bethlehem, graduated from BCHS and is intimately aware of the culture of the community and its needs. More importantly, and despite misinformation some people seem to be circulating, Jim has been an active part of our community and has lived, worked, and volunteered in Bethlehem for much of his adult life. For example, from 2001 to 2004 he worked at the Parks & Recreation Department and also served with me as an Active Class A Volunteer Firefighter with the Elsmere Fire Company. Jim lived in Bethlehem while attending law school at Albany Law from 2007 through 2010, and he remained an active firefighter with the Elsmere Fire Company during that time. As a firefighter and town employee, Jim has firsthand experience working with, and having knowledge of our residents, our community’s infrastructure, our town departments and employees and our emergency services.
In 2010, Jim left a position with the Bethlehem Highway Department to work as an attorney at one of America’s most respected and profitable law firms. Law firms of that stature do not hire the second best or attorneys who are unable to talk about or comprehend complex facts or issues. Quite the contrary, Jim was hired by that firm to work on significantly large and complex cases, precisely because he is able to think strategically and logically, and is quickly able to digest and address difficult and nuanced issues. In addition to his professional experience working on extremely complex cases which included leading a team of over 50 attorneys and expert consultants, Jim received further training in accounting, business, management, and law while attending classes at Harvard. Jim possesses an impressive and well rounded personal, professional, and educational background which makes him a well-suited leader who will be able to comprehend the issues before him and accomplish the goals he sets.
Jim is certainly aware of the complex issues involved in running a municipality and is more than capable of managing them in a professional manner on behalf of the residents of Bethlehem. I am confident that Jim will lead a more open government and has the knowledge and professional experience needed as our next Town Supervisor. He has my support and vote.
Ned Costigan
Glenmont
