Growing up in a small town wasn’t always easy and it
continues to have its ups and downs even in my 30’s. When I graduated from high school, I
immediately moved to Rochester, NY. I
loved Rochester very much and pictured my future there. Then I decided that I wanted a family and my
whole outlook on life and living changed drastically. I was dead set that I wanted to raise my children
back home, in Allegany County. My
husband and friends from Rochester could not understand this because there is
so much more to offer in a city.
They didn’t grow up in a town led by Sheriff Rick
Whitney. I remember being young and
riding my bicycle to the pool every summer day.
My neighbors had an old, hollowed out tree trunk around the corner from
my house that I would hide my bike helmet in once I got around the corner. I did this so I didn’t look “uncool” but I
would always pretend to wear it from home to please my grandparents. Every time I would do this, my grandfather
would know. One day, I finally found out
that the town cop would see me riding down the street and would go inform my
grandfather that I was not wearing my helmet because he knew my grandparents
were sticklers about. As a child, I
hated that. As a mother, I love that
about this small town. I love that he
was always looking out for us instead of pulling me aside and making me feel
like I was in trouble. He never scolded
me or approached me unless he had to.
This kindness and respect towards my family was a big reason
why I moved here. He is a big reason why
I chose to settle here. My husband and I
both work, we own a home and a rental property. I have made the choice to genuinely try to
make this area better even if it is just a little bit. My family volunteers to coach, organize
fundraisers and we always try to help others in need. We teach our children to respect police
officers, watch out for others, pick up trash on the street and so on. These are things that have trickled down to
me as a mother from growing up in a community led by Sheriff Rick Whitney.
This man was a staple in the town I grew up in. He didn’t just patrol the area. He genuinely cared about each and every one
of us. He knew our parents,
grandparents, aunts and uncles. His wife
helped care for myself and my child when my baby was born at the local
hospital. Whitney planted himself here,
he dove in and he made a difference. I
know for a fact I am not alone in being one of the people he has impacted. Not many people do that because it is much
easier to just keep to yourself, do your job and go home. Sheriff Whitney is always at local
fundraisers or dinners to support the firemen and he does so with a smile on
his face.
Sheriff Rick Whitney has made a difference in this area that
doesn’t have to do with the jail, or coworkers or any other political
reason. He made a difference by being a
part of the good. I cannot understand
why someone would not vote for him. I am
far from perfect but when I do something good for my community, Sheriff Rick
Whitney is one of the reasons why I do it.
Amanda Yeoman
Bolivar, NY
