To the Editor: Sara Pasti is a superior candidate for Ward 1 alderwoman on the Kingston Common Council and deserves your vote on June 27 in the primary election.

My acquaintance with Sara goes back to the mid-1970s when we were neighbors in Brooklyn’s rundown waterfront communities of DUMBO and Vinegar Hill. When the residents in her building were threatened with eviction and replacement with higher-paying renters, Sara stepped up and successfully led the tenants’ association for over a decade.

Sara has spent her entire professional life building strong, creative, and resilient communities in the cities and towns where she has lived — Brooklyn, Seattle, and, later, Beacon. In Beacon, she worked to improve the city’s economic prospects by co-chairing the City’s comprehensive Plan, focusing on growth where it was most needed rather than disrupting existing neighborhoods.

Then she then ran for public office to ensure that the plan was adopted. Sara’s accomplishments in many nonprofit leadership positions have led to the establishment of robust art and culture programs and their importance in building healthy communities.

When I learned that Sara was moving to Kingston several years ago, I was excited to see what she might do here in Kingston, and I was even more excited when I learned she has become a candidate for public office. What I appreciate most about Sara is that she is a good listener, has a clear mind, and is a consensus builder. Unfortunately, I live in Ward 8 and cannot vote for her, but I can guarantee Sara will not be afraid to tackle the thorniest issues facing our city, will work hard to represent all citizens of Ward 1, and to improve the lives of all Kingston residents.

Susan Spencer Crowe

Kingston