Town of Danby

I enjoy problem solving and planning, both of which have figured prominently in my years of public service as a volunteer and in various elected and appointed positions. The heightened polarization we have experienced in recent years, manifest even on the local level, makes critical thinking and objective analysis both more difficult and more important than ever. I hope to help the Danby community look to its future, confront the issues that need to be dealt with, and come to resolutions for the common good. 

Hi! My name is Blake Savoy and I'm running for Danby Town Clerk! I moved to Danby almost a year and a half ago and quickly fell into the groove. I've been working in the Clerk's Office for over a year, training under the current Clerk Mariah Dillon and Deputy Clerk Cindy Katz. In April, I attended the New York State Town Clerks Association's annual conference and learned even more about being a town clerk. Every time people come in, whether it's for a dog license, a marriage certificate, or a question that sends us looking into records from before any of us were born, I look forward getting to say, "How can I help you?".

The thing that inspires me the most about Danby is the community. I think it can be much harder to find community in places that aren't "walkable"- there are just fewer happenstance opportunities. But I see people in our community counteract that everyday. Grabbing a coffee, meeting up to go hiking, or just stopping by to catch up. I'm glad to be a part of that, and I hope to get to keep doing it as Danby's next town clerk!

Website: https://www.danbydemocrats.org/

I’m a father, partner, web developer by profession, gardener by hobby, and community organizer by passion. I love living in Danby for its natural beauty, wide-open spaces, and proximity to the culture of Ithaca.

As a senior manager and web developer at a nonprofit, I’ve become a certified project manager, skilled at managing complex projects within budget and deadlines.

Volunteering with No Mas Lagrimas has shown me the critical role community groups and local government partners play in addressing our neighbors' needs and enhancing quality of life.

At White Hawk Ecovillage, I’ve learned the importance and challenges of building consensus across differing perspectives to work towards common goals.

Serving as Tracy Mitrano’s campaign manager allowed me to connect with people from across the region, understanding their priorities and frustrations with our dysfunctional federal government.

While I am asking for your vote, I believe community involvement should extend beyond the ballot. When tough issues arise, like noise conflicts, I hope to lead the board in gathering input from all viewpoints. When people feel that confrontation is the only way for their voices to be heard, it signals a breakdown in the process — we can do better in Danby.

Website: https://www.markpruce.com/

Being a part of the community became very important to me after moving here in 2023. I regularly attended meetings and have been on town committees,  volunteered at Dotson park and am in the process of helping start a skatepark in Danby. I would like to see more community spaces develop, more chances for affordable housing and senior housing and more opportunities for childcare and local businesses.

I'm a candidate for the Danby Town Board because I want to engage with my community and serve the town and its residents.

I will bring my Business/Project Analyst perspective to the Town Board, having spent my career examining business processes with the goal of improvement and effectiveness.  I have been the Danby Town Clerk for the past 18 months and have gained in-depth knowledge of the functioning of the town. I support the goals of a town government that is transparent, inclusive, and collaborative.

Website: https://www.danbydemocrats.org/