To the editor:

“Have we, as a community, had enough of the silliness and embarrassment that have come to characterize Saranac Lake village board meetings? Do we want to accomplish the things, big and small, that will help set future generations of Saranac Lakers up for success, or do we want more of the negativity, factionalism and pettiness we’ve been mainlining these last two years?” These are the now-ironic words of Village Trustee Matt Scollin on March 16, 2024 (Enterprise letter), which are just as applicable today, after Matt had two additional years as a trustee (and as deputy mayor) to do something about the village’s dysfunctional board.

In the Jan. 15, 2026, Enterprise “Two Candidates” story, Matt prided himself on not getting into heated debates with fellow trustees, but he neglects to mention his disrespect of many citizens who come before the board to air their concerns. Several times, he has snarkily mumbled comments about citizen speakers representing just “a couple” of village residents, as if his grossly inaccurate characterization is more important than our right to address the board.

Matt also doesn’t seem to recognize that part of the reason he doesn’t get into heated debates is because he can be counted on to never cross Mayor Jimmy Williams. It’s no secret that most of the heated exchanges and badgering during board meetings start with the mayor, so if you want to stay safe, just vote with and appease the mayor.

Change is critically needed within the Saranac Lake Village Board of Trustees, and change can come if voters support the “ACT” (Affordability, Civility, Transparency) slate of candidates that includes Trustee Kelly Brunette (for mayor), and Jeremy Evans and David Trudeau for trustee.

Mayor Williams and Deputy Mayor Scollin have had their chance to get things done, and in a civil, professional way. I actually agree with Scollin’s 2024 observation that we have “had enough of the silliness and embarrassment,” only now the statement applies to them.

Keith John Murphy

Saranac Lake