To the editor:

Tuesday, Sept. 20, two of the candidates running for office presented their positions at a Voters for Change gathering. They were Brendan Donovan, candidate for North Elba town supervisor, and Brian Barrett, candidate for Essex County judge. They are presenting the voters with a viable choice for these offices and a chance to enrich our government with fresh ideas.

Since Voters for Change is issues based, we presented these candidates because they represent the young people who have decided to stay in this area and make it their home. Lack of jobs and the cost of living make living in the North Country very difficult.

Brendan Donovan is a graduate of Lake Placid High School and North Country Community College. He has managed a store and is now working for a law office. He was one of the founders of the Youth Climate Summit based out of the Wild Center. He will make the supervisor’s job his full-time focus. He plans to bring more transparency to the position by filming meetings and having them online. He will involve more people in governing by being available for community meetings and online question-and-answer times.

Brian Barrett brings years of experience in the general practice of law in all levels of county, state and federal law. He would emphasize using more local lawyers for assigned counsel as a way to save money for the taxpayers as well as the people needing lawyers. He would revisit holding court in the southern and northern parts of the county several times a month to make it easier for people to get to court.

The current North Elba town supervisor and the Essex County judge have held their positions for 10 years or more. It is time to present the voters with a choice. Brendan Donovan for supervisor of North Elba and Brian Barrett for Essex County judge will give the voters a very good choice and fresh faces in our government.

Sincerely,

Sue Abbott-Jones

Voters for Change

Saranac Lake