Heather Waters

“In 2019, you elected me as a fresh voice for collaboration and smart growth, ensuring we create the Town’s first Comprehensive Plan. Please send me back for a second term so that we may implement the recommendations we made possible together.” As a Councilor in the Town of Manlius, Heather represents more than 30,000 residents. She was elected to the Manlius Town Board in 2019 and invites residents with young families and newcomers to participate in government. Heather launched the Town’s first recognition of Pride month and the annual flying of the Progress Pride Flag each June. She authored the updated Town public meeting rules and launched the Open Podium public comment program. She also initiated and oversaw the Town’s pay equity audit. Heather chairs the Police Committee, serves as Co-chair of the Comprehensive Plan Committee, and Tree Commission, and is a member of the Critical Response and Deer Management committees. Heather is a fundraiser and trained mediator. She works with entrepreneurs across sub-Saharan Africa at Akili Ventures, recently consulted with the Matilda Joslyn Gage Foundation to secure capital funding, and from 2013-2021 served as an Assistant Dean for Advancement at Syracuse University School of Education. She advocates alongside fellow LGBTQIA+ residents and the disability community. Born and raised in the Town of Manlius, Heather lives in Fayetteville with her husband, Sterling Waters, and their 11-year-old, Riley.