SARANAC LAKE — In the town of Harrietstown, two candidates are running uncontested for two seats on the Harrietstown Town Council.

Incumbent Ashley Milne is running for reelection on both the Democratic and Republican lines.

Jeremy Evans, running on both the Democratic and Republican lines, is running to fill the seat currently held by Jeff Denkenberger, who was appointed in January to serve the remainder of former Councilman Howard Riley’s term after Riley resigned. Denkenberger decided not to run to fill the seat for a full term.

The Adirondack Daily Enterprise sent questionnaires to the candidates. Below are their responses.

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Jeremy Evans

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Age: 47

Occupation: CEO, Franklin County Economic Development Corporation

Position sought: Harrietstown Town Council

Q: Why are you running for this position?

A: I want to give back to the community that has given me and my family so much. Serving on the town board would allow me to do that in a way that uses my experience and expertise to benefit the town and its residents.

Q: What are your qualifications?

A: I have a Master’s degree in Public Administration and I served six-and-a-half years on the Saranac Lake Central School District Board of Education.

Q: What are your main goals?

A: One, learn as much as I can about the current projects the board and staff are working on so I can get involved and help them succeed. Two, talk to residents and find ways the town can help address the housing crisis. Three, help improve town parks.

Q: What do you think are the three biggest problems in the town, and how do you propose solving them?

A: There are two pressing problems that I see. The first is housing. We know we have a crisis and although town government can’t solve it we must do everything we can. One action the town can take is to work closely with the new Franklin County Land Bank to make tax-foreclosed properties available for sale to low and middle income residents who want to fix them up and live in them full-time.

The other problem is the rising cost of living for residents and the rising costs of operating the town. We have to keep the cost of government in check so that the town doesn’t become unaffordable for residents. I would like to explore additional ways to share services with other governments, identify more grants the town can take advantage of to achieve its goals, and work with the board and staff to make budgeting decisions and investments today that can save taxpayers money in the future.

Q: Other comments to voters?

A: The right to vote is an important privilege that we should never take for granted. I encourage everyone to get out and vote on Tuesday, Nov. 7.

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Ashley Milne

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Age: 36

Occupation: Researcher and mommy

Position sought: Harrietstown Town Council

Q: Why are you running for this position?

A: I have two small children. I wanted to ensure a great future full of opportunity for my little ones and for this community. I would like to be a voice for families!

Q: What are your qualifications?

A: I have been serving on the Town of Harrietstown Council for the last four years. During this time, I have worked as the executive director for the Adirondack Carousel, programming manager at the Youth Center, and have also worked as the head of delegation services for the Lake Placid 2023 World University Games. Through this, I have met with various stakeholders surrounding our region, as well as developed a deeper understanding of the issues facing our region.

Prior to moving here, I worked for the New York state Assembly, U.S. House of Representatives, Scottish Parliament, and a Harvard-based think tank.

Right now, I am working as a research consultant for Adirondack Research. We are working on addressing the childcare issues facing the Adirondack region, as well as all across New York state.

Q: What are your main goals?

A: One, promoting inclusivity in the community and promoting community/social capital.

I plan to do this by promoting the events we already have in the community and encouraging more events to bring the community together.

Two, economic sustainability: My husband and I are small business owners. We have a firsthand perspective of the many challenges facing businesses in our community and across the state. I would like to continue to build and bridge partnerships within the business and public sector community to create synergies in our community. Finding ways to sustain and grow the local economy is a top priority.

Q: What do you think are the three biggest problems in the town, and how do you propose solving them?

A: One issue at the local, state, and national level is a lack of constructive dialogue and the ability to engage in respectful, open conversations. This lack of dialogue, I believe, has prevented our community from finding common solutions with those who have different viewpoints. I would like to continue to provide inclusive events to bring the town together to engage in open conversation and provide friendships and alliances to help us recognize we are in this together. You all have completely embraced my different viewpoint and paradigms, and I hope we can continue to do so as a community.

Broadband: Of course we need broadband and connectivity. End of story. I plan to continue to work with regional non-profits like DANC to continue to work toward more broadband availability for everyone.

Lack of childcare: Unfortunately, there is a paucity of available childcare for young families. This dearth impacts families as they are unable to work. Childcare facilities that are available are stretched thin. I would like to continue to support facilities to operate and provide helpful resources for young families.

Q: Other comments to voters?

A: Thank you immensely for the opportunity to serve in the capacity of town councilman in this beautiful town! I love living here and raising my children here. We are so grateful for those in our community who are quietly serving and going under the radar in bringing our community together. I applaud you and see your efforts.