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RFH 2010, To the Editor

In Support of Meredith Leland Getchonis

Fri, Jun 10, 2011

Meredith Leland Getchonis is uniquely suited to represent and bring together in constructive endeavors Hamilton’s native born and long-time residents with the more transient but increasingly engaged Colgate community.

As the direct descendant of Joshua Leland, the first permanent settler in the Hamilton area, as an HCS student and Colgate graduate with a BA and an MA in teaching, and as daughter-in-law of a popular mayor, Meredith embodies Hamilton.  After continuing her graduate education at NYU and working as executive assistant to the president of Sotheby’s International Realty, she returned in 1998 to Hamilton to give her children a better life.

When I was mayor, Meredith asked how she could contribute to village governance. She was active in the cultural and educational life as a teaching artist with the Arts in Education Institute in Utica, organizer of a grant supported writers’ performance poetry series at the Barge, and English instructor at SUNY Morrisville.

I appointed her in 2000 to establish and chair the new Arts and Entertainment Committee.  It promoted, coordinated and publicized cultural, educational and recreational activities sponsored by community organizations and Colgate.   What was started under Meredith’s leadership is now carried on by the Partnership for Community Development and the Hamilton Business Alliance.

After the birth of Jalen, Meredith devoted herself to nurturing her infant son and raising her two young daughters while substitute teaching at HCS and tutoring. Since 2006 she helped organize the annual Skyway Music Festival in memory of her deceased musician husband Craig Getchonis.

Now with all her children in school, Meredith can devote her creativity, organizational skills, community connections, and energy to the improvement of the Village she loves.  As an innovative and energetic trustee she can add a much needed perspective to Village governance.   Please vote for her.  

Charlie Naef

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