To the editor:

The North Country is home to vibrant communities that exemplify trust, integrity and resilience. That vibrancy is born of our communities’ willingness to look out for and lend a hand to one another in times of need and to continually foster a welcoming environment. The village of Saranac Lake has an opportunity to embrace these values by asking our village Board to pass the resolution titled “Safeguarding our Residents and Financial Resources” at the next Village Board meeting.

Passing this resolution would give us the assurance that, if asked to do so by federal agencies, the Saranac Lake Village Police Department will not direct its time, resources or personnel toward enforcing federal immigration laws and will instead direct its efforts toward responding to community-focused safety and legal concerns. This would benefit our community in numerous ways. 1) It would ensure that our police department’s budget is used on matters that directly impact Saranac Lake. 2.) It would ensure community members continue holding trust in our law enforcement officials and retain the peace of mind needed to reach out to village police in times of need or to share information. 3.) It would provide an example for how other North Country law enforcement jurisdictions could pass measures to safeguard their residents and resources, too. 4.) It would communicate to visitors and potential new residents that Saranac Lake welcomes and values people from other walks of life who want to contribute to the vibrancy of our community.

I encourage Saranac Lake residents to email our village board members to express support for “Safeguarding our Residents and Financial Resources” by contacting: Mayor Jimmy Williams — mayorwilliams@saranaclakeny.gov; Deputy Mayor and Trustee Matt Scollin — trusteescollin@saranaclakeny.gov; Trustee Sean Ryan — trusteeryan@saranaclakeny.gov; Trustee Kelly Brunette — trusteebrunette@saranaclakeny.gov and Trustee Aurora White — trusteewhite@saranaclakeny.gov.

The text for Resolution 119 “Safeguarding our Residents and Financial Resources” can be found here: tinyurl.com/5n6jkhf9.

Forrest Law

Saranac Lake