To the editor:

I’ve been vocal about our village’s need to adopt a progressive agenda. I feel deeply that we can accomplish this by having a board of trustees that mirrors village residents from all walks of life. With its current makeup, the village board does not reflect all members of our community, and it’s time that changed. I have decided to vote for both Fred Balzac and Trevor Sussey for village board trustee. Both candidates bring a voice to our local government that reflects truly progressive values that will bring new life to the board.

Fred Balzac brings with him more than two decades of work as a political activist, and has had a 40-year career as a journalist, as well as medical writer. His goals of a more accessible, equitable and sustainable village are exactly what we need during this unprecedented time. Balzac has had experience in local government, serving on Essex County’s occupancy tax committee and in community outreach, working to help local families after Hurricane Irene took its toll in 2011. Fred’s vision for Saranac Lake is one which I also share with him: better access to affordable housing, policing reform, more transparency in village law-making, and the transition of our local infrastructure to a fully climate-smart community. Fred is also, notably, a member of the Green Party. If added to the board, Fred will provide a viewpoint on issues from the perspective of a growing number of environmentally conscious residents who care about the impacts that the village will have on our planet. As a trustee, Fred Balzac will help bring a more socially and environmentally aware voice to the board, which will help us in this time of great awakening.

When I see Trevor Sussey, I see myself. Sussey is equally as progressive as Balzac but provides a generational perspective that is missing from the current board. Trevor Sussey grew up here in Saranac Lake in a working-class family. He has seen firsthand the need for affordable housing and health care. As a recent graduate and young professional, he understands the economic pressure that many others like him are under when they move to the area to start their lives. Sussey also understands the need for implementation of sustainable policies like alternative energy usage, developing a better farm-to-table food pipeline and improving public transportation options, all of which will be critical in addressing the impacts of global climate change. Trevor Sussey understands what is at stake for local young people and their families. His addition to the board will help the village better serve them.

Having both Fred Balzac and Trevor Sussey on the Saranac Lake Board of Trustees will push our local government in a direction which it must go: forward. Both candidates bring viewpoints which value building a more equitable and sustainable community. Their experiences as a medical writer or special education teacher are sure to bring unique problem-solving skills to address important village issues like police reform, climate justice, public health and housing. It is with these qualities that I enthusiastically will vote for Fred Balzac and write in Trevor Sussey on Sept. 15.

Madeline Clark

Saranac Lake