Voting for Jerry Kirschner on Aug. 16 is the first step in changing our economic future.

I am excited about the possibility of more businesses, more customers, and more prosperity. Yes, I am a property owner in the old downtown Kingston core. I have been “hanging in there” for 14 years with my own business and offering rental spaces for fledgling retail entrepreneurs. I have watched the excitement of start-up and the despair of closing small businesses many times in my building as well as others. The reason for closing is always the same: not enough customers, therefore not enough revenue to sustain.

The Port should be more than a beautiful, well-maintained property. The Port is the foundation of our economic hub. I believe it is currently isolated from our local business community. It should be an economic force to help build a thriving community.

I believe that electing Jerry Kirschner to the Port Commission will break the bubble that separates the Port from local businesses.  He doesn’t just talk about what should be done, he gets things done. You can read about his professional and personal accomplishments as well as specific ideas for economic development online at Kirschner4Kingston.com.

I met Jerry and his wife, Nancy, shortly after they chose to settle in Kingston. He is a soft-spoken man with a brilliant mind who listens, categorizes information, creates a plan of action, and initiates that action. He believes in team building, whether with the members of the commission, the port staff, the community, or political entities that can make bigger things happen to benefit Kingston. He has the temperament, skills, experience, drive and compassion to bring it all together.

Change is occurring in Kingston. Let’s make sure it has a positive impact on our livability and creates business growth. We can’t expect the local community to be the only source for sustaining business here.  Just like breaking the bubble around the port, I see Jerry Kirschner being the addition we need to break the bubble around Kingston!

Susan Rodgers
Cleo’s Landing
Kingston