CANDIDATE BACKGROUNDS
Stacy Finney
My profession is in education, but I did not arrive at this career on a direct path from college. I graduated from SUNY Geneseo with a Bachelors in Art. After college I worked in a variety of different building and design positions before my children, Nathaniel (college age) and Amelia (graduating high school senior) were born. For many years I was a stay-at-home mom while working on my Masters in Art Education at S.U.N.Y. Oswego. I completed my Masters in 2009 and now work at Strough Middle School as the 8th grade art teacher, a position I absolutely love!
I grew up in the Strathmore area of Syracuse and returned to that neighborhood in my late 20’s, buying an abandoned craftsman bungalow on Robineau Road. I cherished that home, my wonderful neighbors, and the neighborhood. I was involved in the Strathmore Neighborhood Association and started a children’s Halloween Parade, which they still put on to this day — and a tradition I hope to bring to the Village of Liverpool too. I was also very involved in the Strathmore Tour of Historic Homes, even going so far as to have my own home featured in 2009 as the “not so big house”. While living in the city I was fortunate enough to be part of the inaugural class of the Syracuse Citizens Academy, and it was there that I learned of the many intricacies of local government.
In 2010, my husband Ray and I felt it was time for a move to an area that had the community feel of Strathmore, but with the ability to walk to shops and restaurants. Ray teaches at Liverpool Middle School, and I would often sub there, in addition to working alongside him on the musicals. We both agreed the Village of Liverpool would be the perfect place to raise our family. We moved in on a snowy day in March 2011, and quickly realized that it was the best decision we could have made. Our young children loved walking to the library or stopping at Café 407 for a treat. Fast forward a few years, as my children grew they became immersed in all that Liverpool schools has to offer, and I was happy to volunteer in a variety of capacities with the Liverpool schools.
My family is fully invested in this unique community of the Village of Liverpool. I am currently serving a four year term on the Zoning Board. I decided to run for mayor at this time because I believe the village can achieve greater things for its residents. I have the passion, commitment, energy, and creative background to put my ideas into action. This is my first run for political office.
With a “can-do” attitude, I will lead and I will listen. I have met with many people in these last few months and learned not just what folks love about our village, but how many feel it can be better. Even something as simple as improving the website can do a great deal to foster better communication between residents and the Village.
The overwhelming concern I have heard from villagers is traffic and how it affects pedestrian safety. Traffic will continue to be a challenge, especially with Amazon and Micron pressing at our borders. I will be sure the village has a strong voice to represent the needs of our village before decisions are made outside our boundaries that impact our way of life. I have spoken with a few citizens about creating a committee that will help to ensure our little village has a seat at the big table. Working together, we can protect and enhance the walkability of our wonderful village.
Safety is also an overwhelming concern, as it should be. My goal is to work with all aspects of local government to help promote our village as a safe, business-friendly district and breathe new life into some of our vacant buildings and lots. This will bring additional funds into our village and allow us to better support and pay our police and DPW without raising taxes — because as much as I say our citizens are our greatest resource, the police, DPW and all others that keep our village running are a close second. I believe I am the best candidate with a vision to lead and to facilitate all facets of our government to work together and get things done.
I sincerely hope to have your vote on June 20th.
Please note that voting does not start until noon, and it is the same day as the Workforce Run, formerly known as the Corporate Challenge. In the meantime, please go to www.liverpooltogether.com to learn more about me - Stacy Finney for Mayor - and Melissa Cassidy and Rachel Ciotti for Trustees. We have great plans for the Village of Liverpool!
Melissa Cassidy
The Village of Liverpool is a wonderful place to live, and I am grateful for the service of my fellow neighbors. But as with many positions it’s important to evolve and incorporate different perspectives and experiences to a discussion. By doing so we freshen and energize the conversation. A few of the areas that I am focused on are enhancing the walkability of our community. I believe this can be accomplished by collaborating with county and state stakeholders to create and enforce pedestrian first policies. Building a stronger partnership with the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce to focus on business development and viability is another important issue. Also creating a platform that promotes transparency so that all Village residents and stakeholders feel like they have a voice in Village matters.
I grew up in the Village of Liverpool, my parents still reside in my childhood home on Sargent Lane. I attended both Liverpool Elementary and Liverpool Middle School; some of my fondest childhood memories are of walking to and from school with my neighborhood friends. Interestingly my two children were third generation to attend Liverpool Elementary. My aunt was a member of the very first class of students to attend Liverpool Elementary with my mom following a few years behind. As you can tell my Village roots run deep.
After having the opportunity to live in some of our country’s greatest cities on both coasts, my husband Scott and I decided that we wanted to move back to CNY, specifically the Village of Liverpool to raise a family. My time away from CNY allowed me to appreciate just how special of a community the Village of Liverpool is. As fate would have it, we were able to purchase my grandparents’ home on Fourth Street where we have happily lived with our two children and rescue pup.
I have a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from SUNY Geneseo where I also minored in History. I have a Master of Public Administration (MPA) and a Certificate of Advance Study in Conflict Resolution from Syracuse University’s Maxwell School, the #1 ranked Public Affairs school in the country.
I have had a twenty-year career in the philanthropy sector, specifically focused on higher education as well as the arts.
I have always enjoyed volunteering as it helps connect me with my community and neighbors. In the past decade I have served as the Treasurer of the Liverpool Elementary PFO, I’m currently serving my second term on the Village’s Zoning board, and I am a member of Paws in Motion, HumaneCNY’s dog walking volunteer group.
I am confident that my professional and personal experiences as well as Stacy’s and Rachel’s will only add to the greatness of our community. Please remember to vote on June 20th from noon-9 p.m.
Rachel Ciotti
I have lived in the Village of Liverpool for 10 years and love this community. My husband is from Liverpool and the village was a perfect place for our growing family. I grew up in Massachusetts and have been lucky to live in several cities and states across the Northeast, however nothing beats the Village. I am happy to say that the Village of Liverpool is my home for life. I am excited to be running for Trustee so I can bring my passion and experience to this growing community. We live in an amazing place and I want to help set the village up for years to come. Some of the areas that I passionate about are:
-Preserving the walkability and safety of our community.
-Examining some of the current infrastructure to see what improvements can be made. For example, I would love to better connect the community on our village activities: fairs, concerts, holiday event, parades, etc. through our website, social media and village mailings.
-Continue the progress to our village main street and downtown area to bring more small business to our community.
I have 3 school age children that all attend Liverpool schools. They are also very involved in sporting activities specifically baseball and softball. You will see us on the baseball field most nights in the spring!
I have always enjoyed getting involved and giving back to the community. Some of the activities that I have been a part of are:
-Big Brothers/Big Sister -Junior League Worcester (Board Member: Membership)-Junior League of Syracuse (Board Member: Treasurer)
-My participation in the Junior League has given me the opportunity to give back to local Syracuse organizations: Rescue Mission, Food Bank, Vera’s house, Chadwick Residence, etc.)
-Liverpool School PTOs
-Provide support for my husband who runs the Liverpool Little League.
My community involvement and my professional experience has provided me many skills and experiences, including People leadership, Recruiting and Talent Acquisition, Project management, Budget management, etc. I have a business background and wasa Marketing and Communication double major from Bryant University in Smithfield RI. I am so glad to have the opportunity to run for Trustee. I think it is important to get a feel for what the village residence want and need. I want to help better connect us all and make progress toward a brighter Village.