Donal, Vance and Tim Have Bi-Partisan Support
Local Politics Are Not National Politics—It's About People, Not Parties
No one can deny that national politics can be controversial. But small towns are the one place where that combative energy has no place. We aren't dealing with challenging and difficult issues, like reproductive rights, gun laws, or banning books. We're simply in need of leaders who understand budgets, road maintenance, common-sense zoning, working with committees, and making all of our citizens feel heard and respected.
The character of our leaders is what matters, especially in a small town with a diverse citizenship.
The leadership of a town sets the tone for the rest of the community. Donal, Vance, and Tim are shining examples of dedicated citizens.
They are deeply respected by people from all walks of life—they listen, they work hard, and they care. The go above and beyond. There is no ego with these men. They are humble and only want Chatham, and its citizens, to thrive.
But we'll let everyone speak for themselves ...
"Serving with Donal on the Board of Supervisors is a pleasure; he's knowledgeable about the issues, hard-working, and well prepared. We share a common respect and vision for healthy, financially stable and sustainable communities."
- Brenda Adams, Town of Canaan Supervisor (Democrat)*****
"I am and have always been a proud Democrat.
"In the last election for the Supervisor of the Town of Chatham I decided to support Donal Collins despite his not being endorsed by the Democrats. I had reservations about his opposition and decided to get to know Donal to see if I could support him. After many conversations I was convinced that Donal would make an excellent Supervisor. In fact, after four years I am fully prepared to energetically support his candidacy for re-election.
"He shares my values of transparency, inclusion and fairness in government.
"He has shown to be a tireless public servant both for the Town and as a member of the Columbia County Board of Supervisors. He has shown his competence.
"To name a few of his accomplishments: the Town is in solid financial shape, he has supported forming a housing committee to begin to address our short term and long-term housing issues, he has encouraged and welcomed public comments on all areas of Town business and has helped the Town through a difficult pandemic.
"Donal has a huge heart and truly cares about all of our citizens, regardless of political party.
"Along with the long hours he puts in as Supervisor, Donal has spent countless hours volunteering his time, labor and equipment to help better Crellin Park, and in my opinion he has not skipped a beat.
"Please vote for Donal Collins for Chatham Supervisor on Nov. 7."
- Karen Malina, Chatham (Democrat)
*****
"In the last town election four years ago, Donal and Vance Pitkin were elected in a landslide over the then town administration. The unhinged ideas of that administration were seen as such and rejected two to one.
"Now we see the sound and responsible achievements that are ongoing. We badly need them to continue.
"This trio is clear-eyed in its analysis of town problems and the best ways o solve them. We do not need a departure from the present path leading to sound planning and responsible funding which will preserve the delightful and rural nature of our community."
- Bob Linville, Old Chatham (Republican)
*****
"We, the people, often overlook the power of our singular vote, not only in the sense of the final tally at the polls but in the responsibilities we place on the shoulders of the victors. The people essentially have the power of a corporate board of directors to hire the best and the brightest to protect our interests. However, what is at stake is much more immense than compiling profits.
"What is at stake is the future of the community we call home, the Town of Chatham.
"Having the opportunity to volunteer on various committees in the Town of Chatham, I have gained an immense appreciation and respect for the endless hours and dedication it takes to be a local public official. For those who forge the path successfully, it is not merely a job or an appointment but a commitment to having a pulse on the heartbeat of the community.
"This is the type of successful leadership Donal Collins excels at. Pivoting during COVID-19, encouraging public participation, demonstrating levelheaded leadership, and being fiscally responsible are the tip of the iceberg. Donal leads by example, going above and beyond in the functioning of local government by supporting and, as needed, guiding tasked committees and giving of his time at the parks or events such as the First Annual Spring Clean Up Day.
"His open-minded approach will allow for sustaining the treasured rural character of the Town of Chatham without overlooking the needs of those who reside here.
"The Town of Chatham needs to keep the established positive momentum going! Donal Collins is the Supervisor who can do it!"
- Bonnie Schoonmaker (No Party Affiliation)
*****
"Donal Collins is a superlative town supervisor. He has rallied the community to participate in the governing of our town with over 65 resident seats filled on various citizen advisory committees. The town's finances are robust, and there will be no tax increase in 2024.
"Unlike the previous administration, the current town board respects and is not scared of the public. There are no longer armed policemen in our meeting room. There are multiple public comment periods offered throughout town board meetings. Unlike the past administration's protocol, where they said public comment is not a question and answer session, under Donal's leadership, it has become just that—residents may ask questions of town board members and generally get answers.
"Not only is Donal the Town Supervisor our citizens deserve, we have two sole proprietors, Vance Pitkin and Tim Mackerer, running for the two open Board seats. They are also farmers who offer the important balance our Town Board needs in an agricultural community.
"Most importantly, they understand our community. They've all been here for decades.
"When these guys say 'Chatham for All,' it is more than a catchy phrase—they really mean it."
- Chatham United for Common-Sense Zoning (Republican, Democrat, Libertarian, No Party)
*****
"Tim Mackerer is one of the most thoughtful, considerate, honest, and hardworking man I know.
"I am a Landscape Architect and have worked with Tim for over twenty years. Not only is Tim able to listen and to discuss an issue or situation, but Tim is also able to work together to find a solution for the most challenging issues. This is what our Town Needs.
"My clients have only high praise for Tim and his excellent work and his integrity.
"Tim has consistently been involved with the Town of Chatham for many years. He has grown up here, his family are real farmers. He has spent countless hours volunteering for our Town.
"Tim is on the Town Housing Committee, the Town Comprehensive Plan Update Review Committee, and has worked tirelessly to make needed improvements for Crellin Park.
"All these thoughtful, time-consuming hours dedicated to the belief in the good of his hometown.
"I believe Tim Mackerer is the perfect candidate for the Town of Chatham Board member.
"I also support Donal Collins for Chatham Town Supervisor.
"Donal has proven himself to be a constant, steady, and solid beam of light for our Town.
"Donal is one who really listens. He has the capacity to understand the diverse perspectives within our Town and to move forward with viable solutions for all, not just the few.
"Donal has worked endlessly for our Town. In addition to his leadership role with the Town Board to bring our finances in order, to allow more public comment time in meetings, and to encourage more public engagement with the working committees. Donal has contributed many unheralded hours toiling to make Crellin Park more viable, all this while running his own farm.
"I am excited to vote for Donal Collins for Chatham Town Supervisor.
"Check out the town zoom meetings—you can see for yourself how steady, thoughtful, and even-handed Donal’s approach to our Town is."
-Wendy P. Carroll, Village of Chatham, Past Town of Chatham Planning Board Member (Democrat)
*****
