Submitted by Caroline Fedele
I am so pleased to announce my intention to run for re-election to the Board of Selectmen and would greatly appreciate your vote on March 12, 2016.
I love Bedford! It’s as simple as that and I’m sure I’m not alone. I’ve heard the same sentiments from people just shopping for a home in Bedford, residents who are raising their families here and retirees who choose to stay in their homes in town for as long as possible. We are so lucky to live in such a wonderful community. From our history to our current and progressive new initiatives, Bedford is a wonderful town to call home.
As a lifelong Bedford resident, I went to Lane School, JGMS and BHS. I grew up watching my parents, Bobbie and Lou Ennis, enjoy and give back to this community. I went to Ithaca College and received my Bachelor of Science in Business Management. I met and married another Bedford native, Rich Fedele, and we are happy to be raising our family here. After our work day, we coach sports and volunteer whenever possible. Our entire family is devoted and dedicated to Bedford.
In my professional career, I have been a dedicated and loyal employee with two organizations for the past 20 years, each beginning in a sales position and ending in management. I take great pride in knowing that my work ethic, leadership and dedication have been the primary reasons for my professional success. Just over a year ago, I made the personal decision to shift my career path towards something more rewarding and joined the American Red Cross. I wanted to directly impact people in need and be able to help others. It has been a wonderful and rewarding year.
For the past decade, I have been serving the town in various volunteer roles. At the beginning, it was mostly focused around our children’s activities such as coaching sports and being on the PTO. Over time, it grew into Recreation Commissioner and Chairman of Springs Brook Park Committee. Saying yes to new opportunities and being a part of a committee or team to tackle a problem or explore an idea is exactly what I enjoy doing.
When I ran for my first term three years ago, I was eager to dig in and help make important decisions that would positively affect Bedford residents. My focus was to listen and learn from the current Board of Selectmen, ask thoughtful questions and be thorough in my decision making. In addition, I wanted to be approachable and responsive for anyone who had an idea, wanted a better understanding or just needed an ear to voice a concern. I’ve learned that there is a balance to protecting our history while being open to progress. It’s important to weigh our wants against our resources. I believe I have served the town well in these ways.
I am proud of our recent accomplishments and the efforts that Bedford has taken to keep our town a positive place to live and work. We have maintained our record of solid financial management, maintaining and improving our AAA bond rating. We are working together to maintain our capital infrastructure while planning ahead for future investments. We are continuing to work towards increasing our commercial tax base to allow for some relief to our residents. Our schools continue to rank at the top in every category across the state. We are focused on critical issues of housing affordability, limited safe transportation options and how to take great care of our seniors and veterans. Our priorities remain strong with the safety of our citizens, supporting our local businesses, strengthening our community to be welcoming to all and finding ways to make life better for our residents. We have made great progress!
I now know that most of the work we do takes time and I am excited to see many of the important initiatives and future ideas come to fruition. I am so thankful for the opportunity that you have given me to represent you and I will be honored for the chance to continue this great work for another three years.
I respectfully ask for your vote on March 12th.
Caroline Fedele
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