Chesley: Choose your next public officials wisely | Courtesy of Shutterstock
Chesley: Choose your next public officials wisely | Courtesy of Shutterstock
Opting to step down from civic leadership after two decades of public service, Mt. Vernon Mayor Mary Jane Chesley cautioned constituents to exercise their utmost discretion and “choose your next mayor and council wisely."
These parting words of wisdom came during her last State of the City address, in which she expressed great pride in Mt. Vernon’s accomplishments, tracing its progress since 2009. Going forward, she urged voters to stay informed and exercise their full rights in choosing their next administration.
Current council members are Donte Moore, Dennis McEnaney, Todd Piper and Jeff May. Several will, like Chesley, not seek re-election. The county will not need to hold a February primary election; Chesley advised taxpayers to pay full attention to the slate of candidates.
"People, please learn about each candidate's platform,” she said, according to the Mt. Vernon Register-News. “Study their ideas. Sit down and talk with them. Ask them how they intend to move Mt. Vernon forward. They work for you."
Mayoral contenders include Richard Clark, John Lewis, and current council members Donte Moore and Dennis McEnaney. Candidates vying for the two City Council positions available include Ken Meyers, James Rippy, Mike Young, John Menke Sr., Raymond Botch Jr. and Bernie Dickneite.
"I feel it has been a privilege serving the people of Mt. Vernon and the city I love," Chesley said, adding that she viewed her job as a full-time commitment. "I have met some fantastic people and seen … improvements that help this city be a place people will come to live and work."
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