To the editor:

In “Built to Last,” Jim Collins and Jerry Porras describe “the Tyranny of the Or” — the false belief that we must choose between opposing options: this or that, short-term or long-term, discipline or creativity. Binary thinking collapses possibilities and forces unnecessary trade-offs.

They contrast this with “the Genius of the And,” which recognizes that enduring, high-performing systems deliberately hold both sides of apparent contradictions at the same time. Visionary organizations don’t resolve tension by choosing. They design conditions where both can coexist, often producing outcomes stronger than either alone.

In simple terms:

Progress doesn’t come from choosing sides — it comes from creating the space where more than one truth can operate together.

Medicine offers a powerful analogy. Synergism occurs when two drugs together produce a greater effect than either alone. Potentiation occurs when one drug increases the effectiveness of another. Humans and communities are capable of the same effect — where “AND” is not merely additive, but a multiplier through synchrony.

And so it should be in our village.

When we work together to reconcile opposing ideas–trying to see how they fit, like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle — we embrace AND. When we default to OR, we dismiss opportunity and diminish potential.

Our village is at a crossroads. The decisions we make now will shape our future. If we want to attract and retain young families, we must make Saranac Lake a place where they can thrive. Their children are our future, and these parents are nurturing our most valuable resource. When families succeed, they lay the foundation for the success of the next generation.

At the same time, we must be fiscally responsible. Burying our village in debt to satisfy short-term desires is not sustainable. What we want and what we can afford must be measured carefully, because if people cannot afford to live here, there will be no future to protect.

Jeremy Evans has stepped forward as a candidate for village trustee. His background and experience –available at adirondackfrontier.com — reflect a skillset that could serve a much larger stage. As a village resident, I am grateful that he has chosen to apply it here.

We need leaders who can create the conditions that improve the space between us. That space is where intelligence, trust, and solutions emerge. Connection, Communication and Collaboration are where momentum builds. It must be safe to ask questions, to disagree, and to think together.

That is the Genius of the AND.

I believe Jeremy Evans is a highly skilled connector.

Vote for Jeremy Evans.

William N. Martin

Saranac Lake