Rooted Here. Working for Here. Building Here.
Mark Ainsworth
Mayoral Candidate
Dr. Mark Ainsworth is a lifelong resident of Herkimer, New York, and one of the most experienced leaders the village has ever known. As owner of Herkimer Eye Care Center, he has spent over three decades serving his neighbors and building a thriving local business on East State Street.
Mark's record of public service speaks for itself. He served the Village of Herkimer as mayor from 1999 to 2014, 15 years of dedicated steady leadership, and continued to serve as a village trustee from 1996 to 1999 and again from 2019 to 2023. He knows Herkimer's neighborhoods, its challenges and its potential from the inside out.
Mark is deeply rooted in the fabric of Herkimer life. He is a trustee at Herkimer County Community College and at St. Francis De Sales Church. He is not just a politician but a neighbor, a business owner and a community servant who has shown up for Herkimer for decades.
When you vote for Mark Ainsworth, you're voting for proven experience, genuine community investment and a leader who has always put Herkimer first.
Jarred Egnew
Candidate for Village Trustee
Jarred and his wife made Herkimer their home in 2020 and from day one this community welcomed them with open arms. In 2025 they became parents and that moment only deepened Jarred's commitment to ensuring this village remains a safe and strong place where families can grow and build a future together.
Like many residents, Jarred and his family spend time in the village's parks and public spaces and he is reminded often of what makes Herkimer truly special. It is not just the places. It is the people.
At the same time Jarred knows there is work to be done. Village water infrastructure is one of the most important responsibilities Herkimer has as a community. This is not just about maintenance. It is about long term planning, smart investment and making sure residents can rely on safe consistent service without unnecessary financial burden. Getting this right requires discipline, transparency and a commitment to doing the job correctly the first time.
Jarred is also a strong supporter of the village library as a vital community resource. It is more than books. It is a place for learning, access and connection for residents of all ages. He believes the village must work together to resolve the ongoing litigation in a way that protects this resource and secures its future for the entire community.
With a background in business and financial management, Jarred has built a career balancing priorities and delivering real value. He knows how to manage budgets, make thoughtful responsible decisions and work collaboratively toward shared goals. He is ready to bring that experience to the Village Board.
Jarred is running because he believes in Herkimer and wants to make it a village his child will proud to grow up in.
Erin Kelley
Candidate for Village Trustee
Erin Kelley grew up in Herkimer. She left after college, built a career in marketing and hospitality and eventually found her way back just over three years ago. That was not a coincidence. She came back because she believes in this place.
Erin's career speaks to who she is. She started on the front lines of customer service in the hospitality industry and worked her way up over the years, ultimately serving as General Manager of a member owned co-op. She also brings nearly two decades of marketing experience to the table. She knows what it means to work hard, earn trust, lead a team and be accountable to the people you serve. That is not just a resume. That is exactly the kind of experience a village trustee needs.
Since returning, Erin has brought with her something valuable: experience helping other small towns find their footing again. She has seen first hand what it takes to bring a community back to life. It doesn't happen without businesses, residents, local government and community organizations all working together toward the same vision.
Erin believes that village government should be open, honest and accountable to the people it serves. Residents deserve to know what decisions are being made and why. Their voices should not just be heard but genuinely considered. A village board that listens to its community and operates with transparency is one that earns trust and that trust is the foundation everything else is built on.
Erin understands that public spaces and resources like the library belong to the community and should never be treated as revenue sources. These are the places where neighbors connect, kids learn and village life actually happens. She will always stand up for them.
This work is personal for Erin. She has an eleven year old son and she wants him to grow up in a village he is proud to call home, the same way she was. That is why she is running and that is what she is committed to.
Herkimer has so much to offer and Erin would like to help build a vibrant village and thriving community!