There are three candidates running to fill two vacant trustee seats in the September 15 Hilton Village election. The candidates are Sherry A. Farrell, Maureen L. Spindler, and Shannon E. Zabelny.
Sherry A. Farrell is a 51-year resident of Hilton. She prides herself on being a positive people person who is a good listener and communicator. “I have seen many businesses and changes in Hilton in the years that I have resided here, and I want you to know that my door is always open to listen to your thoughts and ideas,” she said. Farrell is currently employed at Hilton-Parma Recreation & Parks and works to create and implement programs for all ages, from pre-school youth through the adult and senior population. Farrell says she has learned a lot about local government in her 20 years on the job. She has also participated in or chaired many committees, including Genesee Valley Recreation & Parks Society Board, New York State Recreation & Park Society Hospitality Committee, Hilton Select Basketball Board Member, Hilton Area Youth Lacrosse Co-Chair, Hilton Boys Basketball Concession Coordinator, Hilton Girls Cheerleading Bottle Return Coordinator, and a Friends of Friends Christmas Board Member. “I thoroughly enjoy volunteering and helping out, it’s empowering, and I cannot wait to help the Village residents of Hilton.” She and her husband, Bob, have two grown children, Tyler and Morgan.
Maureen L. Spindler is an independent candidate, as she does not belong to any political party. She hopes to make a difference in the village by helping keep a strong business base to fill the commercial districts, while protecting residential neighborhoods. Spindler is working towards having affordable senior housing in the village, and supports keeping the library in the village. She is also anxious to promote a welcoming village atmosphere so all residents feel accepted, no matter what their race or life choices are. Spindler is best known as “The Village Photographer.” She opened her business in Canning Street Square in 1980 and was there until the fire in 2000. She was most recently located on Mariah Street, behind the library, and now operates out of her home. She is employed full-time at Genesee Community College in Batavia as photographer/videographer. She has served on the Hilton Economic Development Committee, the Library Board, and on the Hilton Apple Fest Board, of which she is a founding member. Spindler has lived in Hilton for over 40 years. She and her husband, Paul, have three grown children.
Shannon E. Zabelny is an incumbent Hilton Village Trustee, and has served six years in that capacity. She holds accounting and business degrees from MCC and RIT. During her time as Trustee, Zabelny has chaired the Community Center Building Safety Committee and is the Budget Liaison. She is currently on the Steering Committee for Envision Hilton 2030 Comprehensive Plan, and is a Board Member for the Hilton Apple Fest. She previously served on the Hilton Zoning Board of Appeals and the Unionville Station Condominium Board. “I think Hilton is a wonderful place to live. I enjoy meeting residents at the many events in the Village. I would be honored to continue to work with the Village team to address issues in the Village and to ensure that Hilton’s future is a bright one,” Zabelny said. She currently lives with her husband, Robert, in Unionville Station, and works part-time for Hanna Properties as an Administrator.
The Hilton Village Election will be held September 15, 2020, at the Hilton Community Center, 59 Henry Street, from noon to 9 p.m. in the Board Room. Social distancing will be carefully monitored. For information on absentee voting, contact the Monroe County Board of Elections at 753-1550.
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