To the editor:

You may remember me as a former mayor. Now, as a simple taxpayer and devoted Saranac Laker, I write to endorse trustee candidates Paul Van Cott and Aurora White in the upcoming village election. Paul insisted and I had resisted, concerned that my support could be a negative for some. But Paul and I are good friends, and he is quite persuasive, saying that regardless of what naysayers may think of my endorsement, I know a thing or two about government and, according to Paul, this is a time for every informed voter to speak up for Saranac Lake and vote on March 19.

So, here’s my message: Experience matters, and Paul Van Cott and Aurora White are the candidates with the most valuable experience among the others in this election. This is not a knock against the other candidates, whose youth and enthusiasm I welcome. On our next village board, however, we need balance between the young, first-term mayor and two trustees and the immense value that Paul and Aurora will bring to the board.

Take it from me, a once hot-headed young mayor in Plattsburgh before I learned the ropes about providing leadership on a government board. Years later, I look back on the municipal boards I led and am thankful for the experienced board members I served with, including Jeff Branch, Allie Pelletieri, Tom Catillaz, Rich Shapiro, Melinda Little, John McEneaney and Paul Van Cott. Experience matters and without these colleagues and great village staff, Saranac Lake would not have achieved so much success, including the new construction and development that is still occurring throughout the village.

Paul and I often debated issues during his two terms on the village board, but we always worked through them, shook hands and shared a beer afterward. Paul was an independent thinker, persuaded only by facts and what was best for the village. Paul knows the ins and outs of Saranac Lake government like few others and his deep knowledge and skills as an attorney benefited us greatly, both when he served as a trustee and then as village attorney.

Aurora White led well as president of our school board, working with board members and the public. More crucially for me, as a taxpayer, she is an accountant and her reputation for painstakingly going line by line through the district’s large budget is impressive. Her experience and skills are precisely what we need in the village, as we look at a potential $27 million investment in a new emergency services facility and other difficult financial decisions for the village.

I have no interest in returning to elected office. I prefer spending time with Janie, my kids and my grandchildren. I do care deeply about my home, Saranac Lake, and will always be an ally to those who are working for its betterment. In this election, because of our need for experience on the village board, please join me in voting for Paul Van Cott and Aurora White.

Clyde Rabideau

Saranac Lake