YOU ARE ENOUGH.

BY NICOLE HEROUX WILLIAMS I PHOTOS BY NSP STUDIO

Personally, I have been married to Dr. Christopher Cove, for 34-years. Together, we have raised three sons, Alexander, Zachery, and Matthew. When my children were young, we lived in the City of Rochester for 10 years and I was immensely involved in community service both through volunteering and serving on Rochester business boards. I served as the Junior League of Rochester President 2008 and was appointed to WXXI Public Broadcasting board for 3 terms, Lifespan Board for 3 terms and the Alzhiemer Association for one term. I was crowned Mrs. New York in 2002, representing married woman at the National Mrs. America Pageant held in Hawaii. You may see me as one of the original models for Rochester Fashion Week or in local commercials, most recently Wegmans Game Day series.

I moved into a 1892 Queen Ann home in Pittsford Village to send my 3 sons to a Village public school (Pittsford Sutherland) where I immediately got involved in the local community started the Farmers Market, the weekly Porch Parties, a member of the Active Transportation Plan, PTSA, Pittsford Rotary, the Chair of the Historic Preservation Board and now currently running for an elected position for the Village of Pittsford Board Trustee.

What position are you running for in the Village Of Pittsford?

I am running for a 4-year trustee seat in the Village of Pittsford.

What made you decide to run for office?

After serving on the Historic Preservation Board, I learned firsthand how important local government voters at election time? decisions and leadership in the continued success of the Pittsford community. I was approached by a number of residents that asked me if I would consider running for the position and that they would support me first hand by forming a campaign team for me.

As you can see I have a variety of community leadership experience as well as intimate local experience in the Pittsford community. I truly care for the continued success and well-being of our Village and want to ensure that Village residents and businesses are represented at the table that makes decisions that affect us. Just the attitude of “caring” is my first powerful component of being a good trustee. My past service and knowledge will also make me a powerful candidate. Being a Village resident for over 12 years, raising a family and being involved with the people that call this place home is extremely important for anyone who desires to serve. I have all of that!

What would it mean to you to win the election?

What do you feel you bring to the table that will help you to win the

That the people (Village residents) are counting on me to serve inclusively, to hear them fully, to protect the beauty of what we have and to make sure that any growth is smart and wanted by the majority.

Who is someone that inspires you and why?

My husband not only inspires me but he also has taught me so much. As a committed physician, husband, and father he continues to put himself second to the needs of those he cares for. About 13 years ago he decided that his health needs to be a priority. Despite his long hours and responsibilities, he started riding his bike to work. It was the only time he had during the day to fit in exercise for his health. So every day rain, shine, snow or negative temperatures, he travels on the Erie Canal from Pittsford to the University of Rochester Medical Center at 6am to care for his patients. I am inspired by his ability to care for everyone in his life, including himself!

Tell us about some of your goals and dreams both personally and professionally.

I am living my dreams! Sometimes people forget that the moments you are in could be the dream you desire. As a yoga instructor, I constantly remind my students to live in the moment. One of my favorite quotes is “The pursuit of happiness is the source of all unhappiness”. I am grateful for all I have accomplished and for the health of my life to strive to do more. Running for an elected position is something I have never done before! It was intriguing to take this brand-new journey and learn along the way. My dream was never to be a “politician”, but more to be a “help to others”. That is exactly why I have chosen to run for this important community leadership position.

How do you balance being an entrepreneur and all of its challenges, along with your family life? Balance, balance, balance. Constantly re-evaluating how you are spending your time. As a nurse, and mom, a wife, the daughter of aging parents, a teacher and a community advocate, I realize that I need to find balance bot just for me, but for all those who depend on me. If one thing takes over my thoughts, time, and energy to the point I don’t feel balanced, I re-evaluate my ability and adjust BEFORE it causes problems. We all have the ability to adjust our life to the needs that change with time.

If you could do one thing you have never done, what would it be and why?

Running for office and being elected! This is exactly the one thing I have never done and I’m doing it! And most importantly I am having fun and loving it! What better job than walking door to door and talking to your neighbors about what is important to them. It is a dream job so far.

What is one piece of advice you have been given that you have never forgotten ? Sorry, I have to pick 2.

1) “Don’t just get though life, live though it”.

2) “The only way you can hurt a body is to not move it” -Jack Lalanne

Knowing what you know now, is there anything you would have done differently when you were first starting out on this journey?

No. One of my personality traits is to take advice and constructive criticism well. I have a great team that I listen to and that has made this journey a success.

If you could effect one change while in office, what would it be?

The main reason I decided to run. Bring respectful honest governance back to the board. I believe in order to represent the people you need to hear from them (let them be heard and not feel intimidated to approach the board) and work as a team with the other trustees. We are elected to work towards what is in the best interest of our constituents (the Village residents and businesses) we need to govern that way!

You’re motivated to make a change and run for office. But where do you even begin?

3. Will it build goodwill and better friendships?

4. Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

How does your family feel about what you are doing?

My family is used to me coming home and bringing all kinds of ideas for me to do. They are never surprised with the things I do and my ability to do them. They trust me and my process.

What skills and strengths can you bring to this position?

-My positive attitude

-The ability to work as a team and respect all

-My neverending energy and commitment to work

-My promise to do what is right for

-My true caring

-My desire to work with the important people in your life, your partner, your kids, your parents, your boss and your friends! I have gotten in the habit of using the Rotary’s “Four-Way Test”

-My intention to always work as an “elected official” and not a “politician”.

1. Is it the truth?

2. Is it fair to all concerned?