To the editor:

We would like to take this opportunity to endorse Johnny Williams in the upcoming election for Harrietstown councilperson. A native of Saranac Lake, in his adulthood Johnny has chosen to make a real commitment to his home town. He is the co-owner of two successful businesses, Bitters and Bones and T. F. Finnegan’s clothing store, as well as involved in a number of other economic and civic enterprises that have, and will, enhance our town. His interest in being a member of the Harrietstown town board is further indication of his sincere desire to do whatever he can to make Saranac Lake and Harrietstown a wonderful place to live.

Johnny’s platform hinges on his commitment to responsible and sustainable growth coupled with advocating for opportunities for our town’s youth. He would like to pursue policies that give local families and young people the freedom to stay and the ability to thrive in our community. He would like to explore creating strong support systems to youth engagement (job training, mentorship programs, volunteer opportunities) that would allow for a stronger workforce and healthy avenues of gaining self-worth. This would, in turn, allow for a better, more supportive community for all its citizens. Johnny feels this could be accomplished by bolstering our current assets such as our strong family ties and sense of community, the natural beauty of our area, community support of the arts and pride in our history. These existing strengths coupled with directed efforts to create sustainable tourism and more diverse employment opportunities, along with someone as determined and devoted as Johnny helping see them through, would be very beneficial to Harrietstown.

We are proud to support Johnny and encourage you to vote for him for Harrietstown town board on Nov. 2.

Sincerely,

Clyde Baker, Suzanne Rice

Saranac Lake