To the editor:

As a politically active millennial, I am often asked what can be done to get more young people involved with local government. Lately, my response has been simple: take a stand against ICE.

For the last year and a half, we’ve watched masked thugs terrorize communities and kill human beings. Many of us have looked for ways to make an impact locally to protect our neighbors from this violence and build solidarity in our communities.

Young people are organizing protests. They’re writing to politicians at all levels of government. And recently, they’ve been showing up at Saranac Lake Village Board meetings.

At a “Meet the Candidates” event earlier this year, I asked Kelly Brunette what she’d do when ICE came to Saranac Lake. Rather than tell me, she showed me.

She’s the only candidate for mayor who supported Bill 39, banning the Saranac Lake Police Department from entering into 287(g) and similar agreements with ICE.

She’s the only candidate for mayor who voted to terminate the village’s contract with Flock Safety, putting forward the bill that ultimately got the job done.

The significance of these victories for the people of and visitors to Saranac Lake cannot be overstated. Whether these victories are temporary or permanent is what I believe is on the line this March.

For me, this election isn’t about the white noise on social media or bickering in the board room. It’s about protecting the progress we’ve made and plotting a viable roadmap for the future so the next generation of Saranac Lake residents can afford to live in the village while feeling safe, welcome, and heard.

That’s why I’m voting for Kelly Brunette and the full ACT slate on March 18. I hope you will too.

David Lynch

Saranac Lake