To the editor:

I give thanks to the voters of the towns of Harrietstown and Franklin for re-electing me their Franklin County legislator this week. I also give thanks and credit to the other three people who vied for this position on Election Day: Jeff Branch, Danielle Carr and Leigh Wenske. It takes courage to go out in the public and compete for a political position, and to also endure the many personal challenges and confrontations that follow, but these citizens did it and we are all better for their efforts.

I chose early not to campaign for this position due to many unexpected challenges, some of which hindered my family. I declined to run for the office, and, in fact, I publicly supported another candidate … but I never said I did not wish to serve. Public service is all I ever wanted to do, and it is part of my DNA. It is who I am.

The people have spoken, and I humbly accept your mandate. I will do my very best for the next three years, continuing to serve our district, and everyone in the district, in good faith, in good will and without animosity.

It is time to move forward with a fresh, new beginning, and I look forward to working with everyone in the district to make our district the very best it can be and make sure everyone in our district is heard and served.

I will continue to do the work of the people, the fine people of Saranac Lake, Harrietstown, and Franklin, with renewed vigor and immense gratitude. Thank you, again.

Very truly yours,

Lindy Ellis

Franklin County legislator

Saranac Lake