To the editor:

Aurora White stood out in many ways among the field of candidates during this week’s Saranac Lake Village Trustee Candidate Forum.

Firstly, she chose to stand each time she spoke, allowing those of us who were not seated in the front rows to be able to see her. In doing so, she demonstrated sensitivity and understanding of our need to know and be included by her.

As she spoke of the importance of transparency, inclusion and accessibility, her earnest sincerity was palpable. She made eye contact with each of us as individuals and spoke warmly to us as such. With her concern for the wellbeing of all, she will bring to the table the ability to examine an issue from multiple perspectives and viewpoints while taking especial care to identify and avert potential adverse impacts on individual businesses and households.

Secondly, what Aurora referred to as her “wheelhouse” is an impressive background in accounting, budgeting, auditing, grants writing and all things monetary. It was very obvious that she has done an incredible amount of research into the fiscal history and concerns of our village. She spoke in specific numbers and percentages on a number of topics and issues. Ferreting out facts and less obvious details is her forte. I trust that under her watchful eye, our tax dollars will have every cent crying out for mercy as it is stretched to its maximum efficiency. She knows to the penny how much every additional increase in expenditure will affect each household’s bottom line and will work to mitigate that as possible.

Thirdly, multiple times during the forum Aurora made direct promises to us that by giving her our votes, she would be tireless in working on our behalf, in networking with the board for sensible and responsible solutions, and in supporting the board’s voted decisions even if she disagreed before the vote. This last pledge was particularly striking in its acknowledgment of the importance of unity in goal and purpose above individual ego.

Lastly, while many may feel that being a native of the village is a distinct advantage, I would beg to differ. To relocate here with real intent to sink roots, raise a family, become civically involved and be a good neighbor means as much or possibly more than a happy accident of local birth. I feel confident in giving Aurora White my vote and encourage all to do the same.

Yvonne Parrish

Saranac Lake