To the editor:

In times of political divisiveness there is hope that all politics are local. That might have been an offhand remark by Tip O’Neill, but it is still relevant.

As for the upcoming village election Rich Shapiro, candidate for trustee, has demonstrated considerable civic concern for Saranac Lake in his 10 years of residence. As an engineer he brings an ability to approach problems with reason and analysis. I first met Rich Shapiro and his wife, Lindy Ellis, when they applied to the village for the purpose of opening a tandem bicycle business at their home. My initial skepticism turned to enthusiasm when it became apparent that this well-run enterprise, Gear-to-Go Tandems, was attracting cyclists from as far away as the Southwest to Saranac Lake for their tandem bike tours.

Rich is running as a Democratic candidate; I am a Republican. As such, I do not always agree with some of his positions. But starting a successful business that also brings quality of life to the community is positive. It is an example of keeping politics and the economy local, and healthy.

Saranac Lake now has a skatepark. After years of debate over its execution, it finally took shape when Rich and Lindy invested time and resources on making the project happen. Their ongoing commitment to the skatepark and to the Youth Center and Summer Youth Program benefit us all.

Barbara Friend

Saranac Lake