To the editor:

In February 2023, Lake Placid will host the World University Games. But really, the entire North Country is doing the hosting. The Plattsburgh International Airport is the official entry point for these games. Two thousand, five hundred student athletes and coaches from 50-plus nations and 600 universities will compete in 86 events covering 12 sports and 11 days. Though not on the scale of the Olympics, this is a huge global sports event that will capture 350 million TV viewers.

While the Lake Placid venues will be used, other North Country sites are also included. These include the Saranac Lake Civic Center, SUNY Canton, SUNY Plattsburgh, Clarkson and Gore Mountain.

This is a big deal both globally and locally. With such events, it is a tradition that local officials greet and assist the officers of the games.

The supervisor of the town of North Elba is one of such hosts. That is why it is of great importance that Jay Rand be re-elected as town supervisor. His vast experience in international winter sports is known worldwide. Jay was one of the original group that visited these games in Kazakhstan to determine if they would be a good fit for our area. On two occasions, Jay called upon the headquarters of the games in Switzerland, establishing personal relationships with numerous officials.

Everyone is aware of the many years that Jay has given as a public servant of the town and his reputation for helping people. His resume is vast and speaks for itself.

These world games are so important for all of us in the North Country that it is vital Jay be reelected as he is the only candidate that would have any impact with greeting and advising the officials of these events.

Vote for Jay Rand.

Thank you for your consideration.

Don Scammell

Lake Placid