ABOUT US

The Town of Canandaigua Democratic Committee is a group of dedicated volunteers committed to electing and supporting Democrats in office.

Our mission is to empower our local government to uphold Democratic values and support common sense policies that enable our community and our residents to thrive. We work with officials across the county to ensure the needs and goals of Canandaigua residents are heard.

OUR PRIORITIES

Support the rule of law, truth, and transparency in town government, promoting honesty and integrity in all situations

Lead efficient town government operations that improve services while minimizing the town tax rate. Cooperate with the City of Canandaigua and other municipalities

Promote fiscal responsibility in Town Board tasks, such as creating and monitoring the annual budget, establishing sound financial policies and controls, ensuring comprehensive financial oversight through regular reports, and overseeing the annual audit process

Respect our differences while valuing the diversity in every individual town resident

Preserve our natural environment and address environmental concerns that are critical to the well-being of our community

Maintain desirable balance of rural character and appropriate development, while supporting land conservation, expansion of public lake access, and other recreational opportunities for town residents

Town Committee

We are citizens of Canandaigua working together for a better community. We seek to promote inclusive representation in the Town and to establish open, two-way communication between town leadership and citizens.

We support responsible government budgeting and spending while driving meaningful and sustainable economic development for our fellow residents.

Chair - Kelli Otis
Vice Chair - Michael Parsons
Secretary - Nicole Bryson
Treasurer - Marie Hayes Schudde

Additional Committee Members:

Laurel Baker
Sarah Hamlin
Nancy Parsons
Patricia Peer
Susan Shaw
Keith Turner

New Leadership Delivering Results for Our Community

Your Supervisor and Board Members

Don Cotter

2026 Town Supervisor

26-year town resident with wife Donna and two children
Co-founder of Naked Dove Brewery and CDGA Coffee Co
30 years of managerial experience including Constellation Brands
President of Canandaigua Farmers Market
Advocate for transparent, participatory government

Bobby Ellis

2026 Town Board

Lives in Canandaigua with wife Nichole and family
Youth advocate in Newark and Canandaigua schools
Owner of Charismatic Entertainment DJ business
Grounded in Christian faith
Committed to listening to all voices

Scott Hall

2026 Town Board

Lives in Hamlet of Cheshire with wife Nicole
Rochester-area native and Navy veteran
RIT alumni with applied engineering experience
Former inn owner and small business operator
Past President, Community-Owned Water Utility Board