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Vote for Jay Rand, a steady hand

To the editor:

Two years ago, the town of North Elba chose a new supervisor for the first time in over a decade in Jay Rand. Our newly elected supervisor, along with the new town board, immediately addressed and passed the long overdue short term rental law.

Shortly thereafter, our state and local communities would become the epicenter for a national and global pandemic. The health and safety of the people of New York became the number one priority for all our elected leaders. For North Elba, Jay Rand’s steady hand and proven experience was exactly what our community needed. Working together with Essex County, New York state and health department officials, Jay Rand demonstrated many of the leadership qualities we have come to expect from him.

Not surprisingly, Jay worked full time and was always available throughout the pandemic to take calls and questions from town residents. Regular COVID updates and state directives were available on town websites and social media. For a community whose businesses rely upon tourism and visitors, we continue to have a steady stream of new visitors in spite of the pandemic and border closure. Our businesses are to be commended for remaining open during these difficult circumstances. I think many of our business leaders would agree that as frustrating as the federal and state directives were, town and county officials were available to assist in any way possible.

Jay Rand continues to demonstrate that working together and listening to other views are the essential ingredients to common sense local government decision making. The partnership with the village and mayor is a perfect example of this. Our town continues to move forward with construction upgrades at the Olympic facilities. The improvements on Main Street and to our infrastructure are ongoing. Our annual athletic events are back on track. Although many individuals are financially impacted by the pandemic and the national economy, our Town remains on solid financial ground. Strong leadership and a steady hand are needed as we face another winter of the pandemic and potential new challenges. Jay Rand has demonstrated these skills.

As residents, we should all be proud that Supervisor Rand is respected not only in Elizabethtown and Albany, but also on the international stage. With the upcoming World University Games in 2023, we will need his experience and leadership to work with state officials and the international sports community. The town of North Elba will be ready when the world visits Lake Placid again.

Jay Rand has earned another two years as North Elba supervisor. I’ll be voting for him and hope you do as well.

Bill McGahay

Lake Placid

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