Community Engagement: You Are the Difference

My wife and I have been proud residents of East Aurora for over 35 years, long before politics were on the horizon. I stepped up because I love this community and care about the people in it. We live, eat, work, volunteer, and raised our family here, and we are thrilled to now watch our grandchildren grow up in this vibrant area. East Aurora truly is our home.

The other day while at the grocery store, I noticed an elderly couple struggling to reach a product on the top shelf. I immediately offered to help, and that act of kindness got me thinking. I didn’t ask for their voter registration card before stepping in to assist them. When I drop my chair at the Backyard Bash, I don’t inquire about my neighbor’s political affiliation before I sit down. When the line of cars stretches a mile long on Main St. at 4:30, I don’t look for bumper stickers indicating political views before allowing someone to merge in. When my family gathers to enjoy the spectacular fireworks on the 3rd of July, I don’t check for sections for Democrats or Republicans.

This is because the divide between parties disappears when friends and neighbors unite to celebrate the outstanding community pride we've built here.

Each year, in a collaborative effort involving Town, Village, and Police Officials, we invite thousands of residents from neighboring communities to join us in singing Christmas Carols right in the heart of Main Street, without asking for their political stance as an entry requirement. I could go on and on, but I think you understand the point. We embrace everyone who lives here and those who come to enjoy our festivities with respect and love for our community.

As we move forward, it's our responsibility as residents to elect local leaders who honor our past and preserve the lifestyle we've built, while also embracing our future without being swayed by party lines, politics, power, or higher agendas.

Chuck Snyder

Town of Aurora Supervisor