11/06/2023
It is with much gratitude and appreciation to receive this endorsement from the Mayor of Corning. To receive the support from our Mayor, who has given so much to this community, is truly an honor! Thank you Mayor Boland for trusting and believing in me.
(See below)
Mayor Boland’s Endorsement of Joe Tobia
It has been a privilege to be involved in supporting Joe Tobia’s candidacy for Steuben County Legislature to represent the City of Corning. I am honored to endorse him.
Prior to the campaign, I knew Joe primarily by the strength of his reputation in the community. Through working with Joe, I have come to regard him as one of the finest people I have ever known. He is authentic, compassionate, fair, engaged, kind, hardworking and open to the views of others.
At every turn along the campaign trail, I learned more and more how much and why Joe is genuinely “beloved” by so many in our community. There aren’t many people you can say that about. Joe’s one.
Joe is a combination of gentle soul and fierce advocate for those things he holds as important. His life story as a special education teacher, high school and elementary school principal, coach, husband, father and grandfather is one of unrelenting positivity and consistently high achievement in everything he touches. All these things speak of Joe’s openness to and success with people in a variety of circumstances and situations. Simply said, Joe brings out the best in people and gets things done working with them and for them. Those qualities and life skills will make him a highly effective and impactful representative in the Steuben County Legislature.
The inspiration Joe has been to the kids and parents he has served over his career in education and coaching is summed up by one of the student-athletes he coached on the 1990 New York State Championship Team, Dominic DiNardo, himself now a coach for 20+ years. In Dom’s words, “I would run through a brick wall for Joe Tobia.”
There is another thing I would like to address. I am supporting Joe in favor of his opponent, who I appointed two times as my Deputy Mayor. Nothing in my endorsement of Joe should be taken as diminishing her capability or a future career she seeks in politics. Rather, my endorsement of Joe’s candidacy answers a single and otherwise uncomplicated question that has always guided me in who earns my vote, “Who will represent me and my community best?” The answer, for me, is clear. That person is Joe.
And lastly, until very recently, when Joe’s opponent chose negativity in a “rush to judgement” and inaccurate way, both candidates have conducted themselves honorably, positively and respectfully. With that single unfortunate blemish, this race has been a model to emulate for future candidates. The candidates worked hard to meet and hear voters, the campaigns were well organized and effectively presented to the voters, and the debate focused on issues. There is much to be proud of for both of the candidates. I would ask the voters of Corning to recognize and honor the commitment these two competitors have shown to present the voters with a full and clear choice by going to the polls tomorrow and cast your vote. If you haven’t yet made a plan to vote, please consider doing that.
I am voting for Joe.
Bill Boland
Mayor, City of Corning
November 6, 2023
