Every once in a while you get to vote for someone who not only lives in your town but is a neighbor you like and respect.

I first met Mici Simonofsky while walking my dog. She and her husband, chiropractor Brian Simonofsky, have a comment-worthy garden and that’s what got us talking. Our joint interest in our Marlboro community kept us talking. She grew up here, and raised her children here and still lives in the house she was born in. As the years passed,

I learned more about her and her passion for and dedication to our town, where she served as councilwoman from 2006 to 2010. She puts in the time and effort to knock on doors for people and causes she believes in and does as much as she can to improve our town, so it didn’t surprise me to learn she is running for election to the Legislature’s District 11 seat, which covers the town of Marlborough. What’s important to her? The same things that are important to you: healthcare, efficient and effective use of our tax dollars, affordable housing, improved social and mental health services. But they are not just talking points for her.

As a nurse with 39 years’ experience, she knows the extent of our opioid crisis and the importance of better healthcare services, as well as improved social and mental health services for our community members. In fact, she knows the importance of the community itself and fought hard to preserve the Tomvac building as a community center. I want someone in office who I know will fight hard for Marlboro and our best interests as a town and community. If you are looking for the same, I encourage you to vote for Mici on November 5. and vote Row A while you’re at it so you have a strong team working together on your behalf.

Supervisor Al Lanzetta has already earned our admiration by his ability to establish the Milton Landing Park, our town’s waterfront property, by generating thousands of volunteer hours and millions in grant and in-kind service dollars instead of out of the taxpayer’s pockets.

This team is poised to make Marlboro the new destination in Ulster County.and a better home for all of us who live here.