About

The Full Story

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Too often, politics creates division when what we need most is collaboration. Local government should not be about partisanship — it should be about solving problems, listening to residents, and building a future that reflects the needs of our whole community.

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That’s why we created the Working Together Independent Line. It’s for neighbors who want a voice outside of party labels, for unaffiliated voters who feel left out, and for anyone who believes that Putnam Valley is stronger when we work side by side, regardless of political affiliation.

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The Working Together line represents a commitment to:

• Crossing divides to find common ground.

• Listening first and leading with transparency.

• Focusing on solutions that make a real difference in people’s lives.

• Putting people before politics.

This line is more than a ballot option — it’s a promise to lead with respect, collaboration, and integrity so that our town government works with the people it serves.

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If you've read this far, I want to thank you for your engagement and your commitment to our community. It’s people like you who make Putnam Valley such a special place.

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I’m Alison Jolicoeur, a multifaceted professional dedicated to health, environmental sustainability, and public service. I’m the founder of Beacon of Light Wellness, where I serve as a Certified health coach, Certified yoga instructor, Teacher and Practitioner of Healing Arts, as well as a Permaculture Enthusiast, and Musician — all tools that help people come back into balance with themselves, nature, and each other. With over 20 years of experience in yoga instruction and having coached clients since 2013, I offer a range of services aimed at health, personal growth, and building stronger, more resilient communities.​

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In 2016, I founded Second Chance Foods, a nonprofit organization in Putnam County, NY focused on reducing food waste and addressing food insecurity. After watching a television segment that highlighted the issue of food waste, I felt compelled to take action. Second Chance Foods began by rescuing surplus food from grocery stores and farms, redistributing it to those in need. Being in a diverse agricultural area, the organization expanded to include processing and preserving food to ensure its optimal use. Under the leadership of my co-founders Martha Elder, Executive Director, Jean McGee, Secretary, and the tireless efforts of a growing staff and a fleet of volunteers, Second Chance Foods now provides 92,000 meals a year to more than 75,000 seniors, families, veterans, and other neighbors in need. None of this would have been possible if I hadn't acted on what I felt was a profound injustice — the wasting of food while our neighbors go hungry.

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My dedication to personal wellbeing, environmental causes, and community health reflects my deep commitment to improving the vitality of both people and the planet. I am a strong supporter of regenerative farming practices and understand the critical importance of having access to local, farm-fresh foods — not only for our health but for the health of our soil and the sustainability of our environment.​​

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Recently, I earned my first Permaculture Design Certificate through the Center for Bioregional Living, which is endorsed by the Permaculture Institute of America. This experience deepened my understanding of how we can create thriving, sustainable ecosystems — thriving ecosystems of which we are all a part — and strengthened my commitment to protecting and nurturing our natural surroundings for generations to come.

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Over the years, I’ve watched the health of our beautiful lake deteriorate. I believe the health of the lake is mirroring the health of the people — reflecting the imbalance among us. People have been divided in so many ways, and it’s time to remedy that. 

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As your Town Supervisor, I will work with people,

not against them.

Government exists to serve the residents, not to create barricades that slow down the progress of our community. I believe in clear communication, collaboration, and efficiency — so that anyone working to improve Putnam Valley can do so without unnecessary delays. ​

I believe good leadership listens first and I will welcome input from fellow Town Board members and from the public. I will actively seek feedback from residents about the types of businesses that would best serve and strengthen our community. I will also work to streamline processes for property owners, and businesses making it easier for people to succeed without drowning them in unnecessary red tape. 

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I am committed to providing educational resources about our initiatives, and I will offer multiple forms of communication — including open, nonpartisan town halls, and new ways for neighbors to connect — to strengthen community bonds.

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This is leadership rooted in service, not politics as usual.

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I understand what it means to serve, and I have the best interests of the people at heart.  By working together, we can create a Putnam Valley that is more connected, resilient, and vibrant for everyone.​

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Join me at the polls on November 4th and let your voice be heard!

Let’s Work Together

Get in touch with questions and concerns so we can start working together for Putnam Valley.

Write to me at AlisonForPutnamValley@gmail.com or fill out the web form below.