To the editor:

I admit it. It’s hard to be optimistic when the daily news is full of international war crimes, erosion of the Constitution that binds us as a nation and the intimidation that happens at our own Village of Saranac Lake board meetings. Add to that the cost of groceries, heat, and property taxes — and, well, where do you find hope?

It starts at home, which is why I am so excited that Kelly Brunette is seeking the Democratic nomination for mayor at the village of Saranac Lake Democratic caucus on Jan. 21, along with two candidates for village trustee seats, Jeremy Evans and David Trudeau. They are running, first and foremost, on a platform of civility to change the tone here in our village. They are also running to address affordability and to do so with transparency.

We have an opportunity to make a better Saranac Lake by shifting from a culture where decisions are made by decree, coupled with an expectation of unquestioning loyalty, to one where local decision-makers invite input, keep the tone civil and act in our collective best interest. Let’s start by nominating Brunette, Evans and Trudeau on Jan. 21 to run on the Democratic line for the village of Saranac Lake’s March elections. Change starts here.

Tammara Van Ryn

Saranac Lake