Town Council:
JESSE J WAKEMAN
After talking with Jesse Wakeman, we completely understood why the Sidney Democrats endorsed him for Town Council. He’s smart, focused, determined—and an especially likable young candidate.
A Family Legacy in Sidney
At 32, Jesse represents a new generation of leadership, but his roots in Sidney run deep. His grandfather founded a construction company that remains a thriving family business today. Jesse worked there for several years but realized early on that it wasn’t his calling. “I didn’t want to hit forty and realize I didn’t like my job,” he explained.
The pandemic gave him time to reflect on what he truly wanted: work that would engage his entrepreneurial instincts and creativity, drawing on both his SUNY-Oneonta education and business skills learned around the family dinner table.
Reviving a Landmark
That reflection led him to purchase the historic MacDonald Hose Company, founded in 1912 and active for 100 years, until 2013. Jesse grew up knowing its importance—not just as Sidney’s fire protector, but as a hub where volunteers and neighbors gathered, fueled by hot food and strong coffee.
Honoring that legacy while reimagining its future, Jesse launched The
Wakeman Coffee Co. He preserved the building’s historic charm while creating a welcoming space where people of all ages can connect with friends, relax, and enjoy great food and freshly-roasted coffee. Customers say it’s a joy to discover—and the coffee, by all accounts, is outstanding.
Why Run for Town Council?
So why step into politics at a time when his business is finally off the ground and thriving? Jesse’s answer revealed a civic-minded spirit. He spoke with deep respect for Sidney, its residents, and its potential. He wants to give back.
When asked if a particular issue spurred his candidacy, Jesse pointed not to criticism of past deeds but to inaction. He believes state and federal grant programs unapplied for are a “missed opportunity” that leave valuable funding for revitalization projects untapped. His goal: to make Sidney more aggressive in pursuing grants that can support Main Street revitalization projects to improve Sidney homes, roads and sidewalks, and to expand needed housing.
Community Support
Jesse is proud of his family’s long contributions to Sidney and sees his candidacy as a chance for him and his generation to step up.
Sidney resident Colleen McKinney notes, “One of Jesse’s big advantages is having a family name that’s widely respected here. It’s also exciting that he’s in his thirties—two decades younger than anyone now on the board. Not only does he bring business knowledge that will benefit the town, but he craves the kind of change that will bring more enjoyment for those of us here and attract new people to visit or settle in Sidney.”
Gail Lapointe, Chair of the Sidney Democratic Committee, echoed that support: “Jesse was not only born and raised in Sidney but is now a successful business owner. He is committed to expanding business opportunities so Sidney remains a place where people and families can enjoy life and prosper.”
Looking Ahead
With strong roots, entrepreneurial drive, and a vision for revitalization, Jesse Wakeman represents both Sidney’s proud past and its hopeful future. We wish him success in this next chapter of service.