Niagara Reporter
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By: Staff Reporter
Jamie Symmonds, a lifelong Lewiston resident and entrepreneur, is seeking election to the Niagara County Legislature in the 2nd District, comprised parts of Lewiston and Wheatfield. Symmonds, a registered Democrat, was recently endorsed by the Niagara County Democratic Committee and the WNY Working Families Party. Jamie’s community involvement over the past 15 years includes that of being a small business owner for ten years, volunteering for local events, fundraisers, festivals, and chairing local committees. She succeeded in creating and organizing the Lewiston Artisan Farmers Market, which has proven to be a huge success for the region over the past three years. Symmonds also believes her experience in local government, including serving on the Village of Lewiston Historic Preservation and Planning Board, as director of the Lewiston Advisory Board, and executive board member for the Lower Niagara River Region Chamber of Commerce, has prepared her to be successful as the next County Legislature in the 2nd District.
Symmonds, a graduate of Lewiston-Porter High School, possesses a Bachelors degree in Psychology from Niagara University, a Masters in Criminal Justice from Chapman University, and a second Masters in Mental Health Counseling from Lindsey Wilson College. Symmonds currently works as a mental health counselor serving children ages 3 – 21. Symmonds has direct insight into the mental health needs in the county, including those battling addiction. Based on her vast array of experience, which includes her work as an addictions counselor and as a caseworker for the Niagara County Department of Social Services, if elected, Symmonds said, “I will work to help community-based providers meet the growing demands of those struggling with mental illness and addiction. I have seen firsthand, those in need, and the lack of resources available.”
What prompted her to run for office? Symmonds said, “We are facing difficult times, especially coming out the other side of a pandemic, and we need leaders who place people above politics. Personally, I don’t see red, I don’t see blue – I see issues that matter. Issues such as running a government focused on transparency, providing families with the security of a safe neighborhood, ensuring the survival and growth of our locally owned small businesses, and properly budgeting our tax dollars. I believe I can be a part of the solution.”
Symmonds has seen a growing divide and distrust in government, on all levels. “Sadly, I continue to see dysfunction in local government, including recent hiring practices of county officials. If elected, I want to lead by example, by lending myself as a voice for the people, through ethical practices and an open and transparent government. I believe we can work better, together, by reaching across the aisle and staying focused on what is truly important, people. It is time we shift our direction towards an improved, united government and I am more than ready to accept that challenge.
