To the editor:

Howard Riley danced with my mom when they were kids, so I have always thought he had good judgment. I have to disagree with his view (“Mayor deserves support from Saranac Lakers,” letter to the editor, July 2) on the question of residency for the village of Saranac Lake’s elected officials, though, and I don’t care who the person is or how many properties or businesses he or she has in the village. Howard suggests that a “political address” within the village should be sufficient. That is not what New York law requires and it is disconcerting to think that anyone from anywhere with a “political address” in the village of Saranac Lake could serve on the village board. I don’t think it is too much to ask for our elected village officials to actually live in the same neighborhoods as we do. Knowing my neighborhood while on the village board helped me better understand the challenges our neighborhoods face. To me, not living in the same place as your constituents is just another example of political cynicism in this day and age. Going forward, I suggest the village should set a higher example of integrity for its elected officials by adopting an ethics law that requires candidates to provide proof of actual residency in the village.

Paul Van Cott

Saranac Lake