Melanie Lekocevic is reporting for Columbia-Greene Media voters in the town of Kinderhook will choose between two candidates to fill a vacancy on the town board. The names of Republican and Independence candidate Deborah Johnson and Melissa Miller, a candidate on the Kinderhook United and Democratic party will be on the ballot. Johnson, 56, was appointed to fill the seat left open when then board member Patsy Leader was elected town supervisor in 2019. Johnson previously served on the board from 2001 to 2009, and was deputy supervisor from 2007 to 2009. She is a lifelong resident of Columbia County. Johnson is employed by the SMPR Title Agency, where she has worked for more than 21 years. Johnson is a graduate of Hudson Valley Community College. Public safety and infrastructure are a key issues in her campaign. “Right now keeping residents safe throughout the COVID-19 pandemic is a top priority,” Johnson said. “Working to obtain funds for the repair of town roads needs to also be a priority.” Melissa Miller, 38, has lived in Columbia County for 18 years and is a resident of Valatie. She works as a pet sitter and dog walker. Miller holds an associates degree from the SUNY Canton and a bachelor’s from the SUNY Potsdam. Communication within the community is the biggest issue she wants to address if elected. “Residents of Kinderhook have the right to know what our elected officials are doing for us and the town,” Miller said. “...By using additional tools such as social media posts, an enewsletter, monthly posts in our local newspapers and a low-cost printed newsletter for folks without computer access or knowledge we can further expand the ways in which the town ensures all residents have access to the information they need,..." she said. Miller hopes to bring a fresh, people-centered approach to the town council, she said. Read the full story at HudsonValley360 [dot] com.