Providing residents with easy-to-access information about Pittsford's Town Governance.
Positively Pittsford is a nonpartisan group of volunteer Pittsford residents who support an approach to town government that focuses on town services and needs and puts the best interests of Pittsford residents first. Such leadership ensures that all residents, regardless of their political affiliation, have a voice on the board thus increasing resident trust in local governance.
We welcome Pittsford voters of any political party who reject political polarization in favor of uniting around the well-being of the town we love. We believe a bright future for Pittsford depends on residents who stay informed about the actions of our local Town Board. We aim to keep residents informed by providing Town Board meetings highlights and commentary that we think are of interest and noteworthy. In this manner, residents will be aware of board decisions and any changes in direction that the Town Board is considering for our town. Residents will also know if the Town Board begins to consider issues that are outside its priority of municipal services for its residents.
Awareness and communication are our guiding principles.
Q&As about the Oct. 5th Town Supervisor Candidate Forum
Why will Positively Pittsford hold the event if one candidate declines to participate? We see a candidate forum as a valuable opportunity for any candidate seeking to lead Pittsford. For voters, it is an excellent chance to become informed firsthand. Positively Pittsford hopes that both candidates participate. Mr. Smith has accepted our invitation. As of today, Mr. Gordon has declined. Still, we'll have a seat and a microphone for him right up to the evening of the event. See you on October 5th.
How can I be sure this is not simply a political event? Good question – Positively Pittsford has taken deliberate steps to keep this a nonpartisan civic event:
• Direct communication has been with candidates – not campaigns or parties.
• Don Alhart, a well-known and respected television journalist, will moderate.
• The same format and ground rules apply to all participating candidates.
• A one-page, traditional chronological resume was requested from each candidate with education, employment, and relevant public-service leadership experience. Submitted resumes will be available at the event.
• No campaign literature or campaign materials will be available at the event.
Why Don Alhart? Don brings 58 years of experience as an award-winning Rochester-area journalist and interviewer. He knows how to ask questions clearly, listen carefully, and guide a focused and respectful candidate forum.
Who will determine what questions are asked? The audience and Pittsford residents will drive this event. All residents are invited to arrive as early as 6 PM to submit the questions. Ask about the qualities you value in Pittsford, the issues that concern you, and what you believe makes a successful Town Supervisor. During the few hours leading up to the event, representatives designated by the participating candidate (s) will review the questions to:
• Eliminate personal attacks or inappropriate language
• Exclude questions unrelated to Pittsford Town government
• Combine substantially similar questions
** Questions will NOT be rejected simply because they are difficult, critical or controversial.
Why aren't questions being shared with candidates in advance?
The Town Supervisor is a highly public-facing leadership position. We believe residents deserve to see how candidates listen, think on their feet, and respond clearly in their own words. Candidates may not use laptops, iPhones or other electronic devices during the event.
Bring your questions on October 5th. Be part of the conversation about Pittsford's future.