To the editor:

After seeing the five candidates for the village board, it seems like two options are the obvious choices: Sean Ryan and Katie Stiles. While they are both newcomers to politics, they have served their communities and they were raised here, which gives them a unique insight into the issues facing our community.

I was lucky enough to grow up with Sean Ryan. We went to school together and played sports together. He was a great teammate who showed up prepared, ready to work and was always there to support his teammates. It makes me proud to see how he has stepped up to serve his community in so many ways from his military service, to joining the volunteer rescue squad and working as a faculty member of the Saranac Lake School District. His work throughout the community has given him a variety of insights as well as experience dealing with difficult situations. These experiences make me believe he is the top candidate on the ballot. Also, as an independent, I know he is willing to ask tough questions as well as listen to various ideologies to find the best solutions to difficult issues.

Katie Stiles is also a strong candidate. One of the biggest issues in our community is affordable housing. Katie is on the Housing Task Force and she owns her own real estate company. Who is going to understand the housing market and the potential grants and government funding that might be available to help address our housing issues better than her? In real estate, she works every day to bring two sides with different viewpoints together. This experience of working with people to reach a common goal is much like what our Village Board should be doing on behalf of Saranac Lake.

Unfortunately, I do not see Paul Van Cott or Aurora White as logical candidates. They are both backed by Rich Shapiro, who I believe is responsible for turning our village board into a clown show. Do we want more of that? Also, let’s not forget that Paul Van Cott has been removed from board meetings in recent months (once with the police being called, as reported by the Enterprise on Feb. 2, 2023). He demonstrated an inability to wait until the public commenting period to speak, and he interrupted the mayor and the board again and again, refusing the requests to refrain from the disruptions. We need to get away from this type of behavior. As for White, she resigned from the school board because of different “viewpoints” (also reported by ADE). Does that mean if she doesn’t get her way, she is going to resign from the village board?

While I am unfortunately unable to vote and my opinion may not influence anyone, I hope that voters truly listen to the candidates instead of just voting with their party. We need trustees with open minds who will do what is best for our community, regardless of their party affiliation.

Justin Smith

Bloomingdale