Cooke running for supervisor

Councilwoman Mary Cooke is running for Grand Island Supervisor because she believes the supervisor's office needs new energy and a clearer focus on the issues important to Grand Island residents.

Maintaining the status quo does not work in today's constantly changing business environment, she said. Leadership means maximizing time and resources to do the work required to make informed decisions.

Cooke believes that public service is important work and promises an accessible, energetic and responsive supervisor's office.

Cooke recognizes Grand Island's unique geography, location and resources and believes the town can capitalize on those qualities. The Island's bountiful recreational opportunities can be promoted to distant travelers coming to see Niagara Falls as well as to local Western New Yorkers looking for a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Keeping the Island a special place while continuing to provide the best local government at the lowest possible cost is a top priority, she said.

In her time on the Town Board, Cooke has earned a reputation for doing her homework, researching the issues and basing her votes on facts. She has invested great amounts of personal time above that required of the part-time council position, to gain unique valuable experience and make many important contacts. Mary Cooke proudly carries the endorsements of the Republican, Conservative and Independence Parties.

Cooke has made a difference as a member of the Town Board. At the time of each employee retirement, a careful examination of job requirements is made before a replacement is hired, often resulting in consolidation of jobs. Cooke has saved the taxpayers $21,356 by returning the medical bonus for 11 years. She has helped achieve an A-1 bond rating for the town and maintain it since July 2008.

Cooke is active in the Grand Island community, serving as president of the Friends of Grand Island Memorial Library and on the Education Committee of the GI Historical Society. She is a lector and teaches religious education at St. Stephen Church and is the secretary of the Grand Island School Business Alliance (GISBA). Cooke has served as ReTree planting volunteer coordinator since 2007 and is a member of the GI High School PTSA.

Cooke earned a master's degree from Niagara University and a bachelor's degree from Buffalo State College. She taught for 11 years before being elected to public office and completed a two-year part-time teaching assignment at Veronica Connor Middle School in June 2011. She can be reached at 773-7058 or at [email protected]. Find her on Facebook at maryscooke.