When you think about Wilmington, what is it that you value? Is it the peacefulness and beauty? The neighbors and loved ones? The generations of families who are out and about enjoying their hometown? The vistas, foliage and waterways?

If so, vote for Tim.

Are you looking for someone who cares about Wilmington’s taxpayers? Someone who has shown that he is dedicated to cutting spending and finding non-tax sources of revenue?

If so, vote for Tim.

Do you want a town Supervisor who is looking out for the programs and activities of our youth? A town Supervisor who is first and foremost concerned about protecting the quality of life of everyday Wilmington residents?

If so, you should vote for Tim Follos.

I have attended most of the town board meetings over the past three years. During that time I have seen Tim put forth dozens of positive, realistic and enactable ideas. The number of times that Tim has been condescended to, censored, ignored, slandered or gavelled down — simply for speaking up for changes that would improve the lives of the people he represents — most people would have thrown in the towel long ago. I know I would have.

But Tim has persevered and continued to hold his head high, bring forth ideas for change, and motivate others to get involved.

He is the right leader for Wilmington.

The ideas Tim puts forth at town meetings were all spurred by conversations with people in our town, those looking for a voice to represent them. Tim has shown the town that he is listening to you, and he is working for you! He deserves your support, and your vote.

A vote for Tim is a vote for meaningful changes to protect our town’s natural and authentic appeal. A vote for Tim is also a vote for meaningful changes to protect Wilmington residents’ bank accounts.

He will work with his fellow board members to enact much-needed changes to our zoning code to protect our assets.

He will find grant opportunities to fund projects that would otherwise be delayed, hindered or too expensive for the town’s taxpayers.

He will depart from “business as usual” and focus on keeping Wilmington under the tax cap for the first time in years. As a town board member, Tim has shown time and time again that it was not necessary for Wilmington to override the tax cap in recent years. Unfortunately, most of his efforts fell on stubborn ears.

The things Tim has advocated for and achieved during his three years on the town board that have helped to DECREASE your taxes include: Increasing Short Term Rental permit fees and shortening the permit term to one year, instead of two.

Increasing the fees charged for building permits and planning board applications to keep us more in line with neighboring towns and create an increased revenue stream.

Spending occupancy tax funds instead of property taxes on tourism-related expenses.

A town supervisor should be a town’s leader, but they should also be the town’s representative in Elizabethtown. I know Tim will advocate for Wilmington and the county’s taxpayers while working in his county role as a member of the Board of Supervisors. I have seen firsthand the amount of time Tim puts into preparation for the town board meetings in order to represent the residents and taxpayers of Wilmington, and I know he will bring the same focus and work ethic to his role as a leader of the county.

Tim has also made progress in appointing people to the town’s planning and zoning boards who have values aligned with those of the townspeople he represents. Those boards are much more balanced than they were when Tim took office. As town supervisor, Tim will continue working to give everyday townspeople more of a say about Wilmington’s future.

Tim has shown he is motivated, Tim has shown his follow-through and tenacity, and above all Tim has shown his gumption and his devotion to his hometown.

In closing, please know that Tim Follos is the candidate who understands Wilmington’s past and present, who cares about Wilmington’s future, and who will take much-needed action to protect Wilmington’s character and identity — before it is too late. Please join me and hundreds of others and cast your vote for Tim Follos.

Tim is the right choice for Wilmington.

(Laura Dreissigacker Hooker is a member of the Wilmington Town Council.)