To the editor:

I had thought it was not my place to weigh in on the upcoming Saranac Lake Village Board elections as I don’t live within the Village boundary, but as I noted many recent submissions from others residing outside the village, I would like to add my thoughts.

Above all, village government would greatly benefit from experience, therefore I urge everyone to get out and vote for Paul Van Cott and Aurora White.

The mayor and two remaining village board members have each been serving for only two years. In addition, there was a tidal wave of village employee resignations and “restructuring” over the past two years. It takes time to develop the expertise needed to manage local government at its highest level. Electing experienced trustees with broad institutional knowledge is essential.

Paul Van Cott’s village experience is extensive: Village trustee (2012-2019), including serving as chairman of the village’s Local Development Corporation for much of that period; village attorney (2020-2022); New York state government manager/attorney (1987-2019). Paul’s goals are to work as a team with mutual respect and clear communication; to ensure compliance with all legal requirements and processes and to ensure that the public is fully informed and provided with the opportunity to weigh in on matters.

Aurora White has significant experience having served on the school board, she knows how to build consensus and she will bring financial and budgetary expertise to the governing process.

Aurora and Paul are enthusiastic about the future of Saranac Lake and strongly believe that a cooperative, respectful board of trustees, working as a team is the best path forward. What places them above the other candidates is their extensive experience.

And it is experience that is needed to make the dreams and goals we all share come to fruition. Vote for Paul Van Cott and Aurora White for village trustee.

Peggy Wiltberger

Saranac Lake