Community Action Planning Council is governed by a Board of Directors, comprised of representation in each of three sectors: individuals living in poverty, elected public officials or their designees, and members of the private sector.
Low-income representatives are especially important in developing strategies that address the causes and conditions of poverty in our community. Elected for five-year terms, these representatives look out for the best interest of low-income individuals in Jefferson County.
An election is underway to fill a vacant five-year term, representing the low-income sector. The general public is invited to participate in the democratic process. Eligible voters must be at least 18 years of age, reside in Jefferson County and be a member of a low-income household. Eligible voters are invited to read the biographies below and then stop into Community Action Planning Council, located at 518 Davidson Street to cast their vote. Ballots are available October 1 – 5, October 9 – 12 and October 15, 8 AM to 4 PM daily.
The following two candidates are vying for a single vacant seat on the board of directors of Community Action:
Juliane Aubertine graduated from Getting Ahead in August 2018. She credits the Getting Ahead program with helping her and her peers to build self-confidence and inspiring more active involvement in the community. Juliane has experience volunteering at the library in genealogy, gathering data for the census in Lewis County, and participating in the work study program in the Student Activities Office at JCC. A single parent who lives in Watertown, Juliane has a wealth of life experience, all of which has helped her to gain an “understanding for all sorts of people.” She describes herself as well-spoken, open-minded and artistic. When asked why she wants to serve on the board, Juliane said, “I have taken steps to improve my life and the lives of those around me – including mental health, addiction and poverty – and will continue to do so.”
John Bonventre graduated from Getting Ahead in March 2018. He describes the Getting Ahead experience as “a firecracker which when lit, ignites,” crediting the program with giving him a new perspective on poverty and helping him to recognize that change begins from the inside. A former pastor and chef, John has experience volunteering at Community Action, lending a hand during special events, such as Stuff the Bus. He regularly speaks publicly on behalf of Getting Ahead and served as the Chair of the Transportation Work Group as part of Watertown’s Empire State Poverty Reduction Initiative (ESPRI). A certified Getting Ahead Facilitator, John lives in Watertown with his wife. When asked why he wants to serve on the board, John said, “I want to share and help my community grow.”
For questions or comments about the election process, please contact Lisann Babcock at 315.782.4900, ext. 252.