LAURA DOHNER
ONEONTA COMMON COUNCIL, WARD 4
COMMUNITY OF RESIDENCE: Fourth Ward, Oneonta
EDUCATION:
Ph.D., Binghamton University
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:
Previous Experience as Licensed Tax Preparer and Insurance Agent; Currently Adjunct Professor; Owner/Manager Karma Day Spa, Main Street Oneonta
COMMUNITY/POLITICAL INVOLVEMENT:
Member of Rotary Club of Oneonta; Executive Board Member of Foothills PAC and Catskill Symphony Orchestra; President, VP, and Finance Chair of two major university Graduate Student Organizations.
FAMILY:
Married to Dr. Eric Dohner; we have 13 children combined.
IN TWO OR THREE SENTENCES, EXPLAIN YOUR PHILOSOPHY OF GOVERNMENT.
Simply put, it is the responsibility of each citizen to “do all you have agreed to do” and “not encroach on other persons or their property.” The role of government in our society should be to provide the framework that makes these maxims possible for all citizens.
WHAT ARE THE THREE MAJOR ISSUES THE COMMON COUNCIL FACES, AND HOW WOULD YOU ADDRESS THEM?
Much discussion has been had regarding the role of the City Charter and the position of City Manager. In fact, it was a year ago, in October, the council held a Special Meeting to discuss the recommendations of the Charter Review Commission; however, circumstances arose shortly thereafter which deterred the council from making any meaningful progress in that discussion in the months to follow. What do I see as the three major issues the Common Council faces at this time? 1) Lack of cohesion, 2) lack of vision, and 3) exhaustion—all of which are perfectly understandable given the incredible challenges the current members have had these past twelve months. I applaud both those who choose to stay, knowing full well the further challenges they face ahead, and those who choose to gracefully step down and allow others to take up the challenge. We know we will see many new faces in the newly elected council. It is my belief that this presents the opportunity to invigorate and renew a sense of cohesion, vision, and purpose to the City Council as we continue to examine the role of the City Charter and Manager in the days to come.
WHAT QUALITIES/EXPERIENCE DO YOU HAVE THAT MAKES YOU THE BETTER CHOICE IN THIS RACE?
I have a rich and diverse history of work experience, which allows me to engage with policy decision-making in a knowledgeable and meaningful way. I have demonstrated a life-long commitment to serving my community in volunteer work. I have a keen mind and I know how to use it: I will not sign a document I have not read and/or do not understand. If I don’t have the answer to a question, I will research the subject until I do. I seek to understand the viewpoint of others and I am eager to engage in civil discourse that furthers mutual understanding amongst the Common Council.
IS THERE A STATEMENT YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE WITH VOTERS?
My decision to run for 4th Ward Council Member is motivated solely by a desire to serve my community. I was not solicited by anyone to run for office and I have not relied on any support—financial or otherwise—from outside organizations. I assure the Citizens of Ward 4 that they can vote for me with confidence: the voice I speak with is ours alone.