To the editor:

Rich Shapiro is good for Saranac Lake. Please vote Sept. 15 to reelect Rich as village trustee.

Rich has all the qualities that make an excellent public servant. He is energetic, kind, inquisitive, thorough, discerning and fair-minded. His experience as an engineer and a small business owner gives him the skills needed to promote a vibrant, healthy, forward-looking community.

I met Rich shortly after he moved here and not by accident. He took interest in Saranac Lake and kept up with its happenings via the Enterprise long before relocating. He approached me and indicated that he wanted to help get the skatepark built. Whew! Though I had perseverance to see the project succeed, I did worry about how to build a skatepark once a location and funding were in place. Rich was an invaluable asset. The skatepark was a community project with material donations and in-kind services from multiple local businesses and the village. So instead of the skatepark construction company coordinating the project, Rich assumed responsibility for all the site preparation as well as acquisition and timing of all materials, from nails to loads of concrete. It came together with perfection.

But Rich’s interest goes beyond a completed project. He frequents the skatepark and befriends the skateboarders. Rich used his personal time and resources to help a young adult skater to obtain the professional help he needed for successful resolution of his problem.

Vote for Rich, and he will continue to do his best for Saranac Lake.

Peggy Wiltberger

Saranac Lake