"Not afraid of the bosses in politics - she is unbought and unbossed" -Paul F

I first met Vanessa Merton about 40 years ago. Vanessa was active in a group trying to preserve the quality of life in the village of Hastings. Vanessa didn't like the Mayor at the time and helped organize a successful effort to fight overdevelopment, improper zoning and unresponsive government. And she was working hard to preserve the beautiful Palisades view from Hastings.

Vanessa impressed me then for her outspokenness. In the years that I have known Vanessa, she has never been afraid to take a stand. There have been times when she has been extremely supportive of my efforts as a Legislator and Town Supervisor. There have been other times when I was the recipient of her constructive yelling at me for doing what she thought was wrong. I have become a better elected official because I always reflect on her constructive comments - even when I don't like what I hear. And I have changed my mind and approach to governing because I value her integrity and passion for public service.

What makes Vanessa a model citizen is her passion for good government. She is not afraid to take a stand on issues - no matter how popular or unpopular her views are. She is frequently years/decades ahead of her time. Vanessa is not afraid of the bosses in politics - she is unbought and unbossed.

Her support of my campaigns over the years has been more meaningful than the support I have received from anyone else. I was always afraid that I would let her down. So when she called me with her comments I would listen. I have always wanted to earn her support.

Her passion for the underdog - her commitment to her students and her leadership fighting to help immigrants and to provide them with quality legal services should be appreciated by many. Vanessa has changed lives for the better.

Paul F