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It’s time Potsdam becomes one community

Posted 10/24/11

To the Editor: It is obvious to me that the only certainty we have right now is that people in the village are ready for a change as we go forward. People in the village are frustrated with the high …

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It’s time Potsdam becomes one community

Posted

To the Editor:

It is obvious to me that the only certainty we have right now is that people in the village are ready for a change as we go forward.

People in the village are frustrated with the high taxes we pay (about $14 per thousand assessed value compared to town residents and this does not include trash and water and sewer).

Many are frustrated with the working relationship between the town and village boards. Many are frustrated that it seems difficult to bring more economic development here and the issue of annexation can’t seem to be resolved.

Many are frustrated with the apparent lack of transparency in village government. Many village residents are frustrated because they don’t feel to be part of the town, yet they are.

So what do we do?

Those opposed to dissolution think we can remedy most of the above concerns with new people on the boards. The two boards will start to cooperate; the town and village will work through some of the options presented in the report, but will the town board follow through on many of the options presented if it means an increase in town tax rates?

We will find a way to get a handle on the village tax rate, but how do we do that without either cutting current services or increasing the tax base; how does that happen if the town does not allow annexation?

There is no certainty going forward.

Those in favor of dissolution think the best bet is to put the discussion and dissention on one board as they work through the issues.

Eliminating the level of village government will result in efficiencies yet undetermined by the dissolution study that simply moved everything over to the town, but how much change will there be in some of the services we receive?

It’s time to become one community, but how long will it take for a mindset change to occur? Can we make the transition without an unreasonable tax increase burden to town residents (including those in the Village of Norwood)?

The elimination of the village border will mean we can move ahead with economic development in a way that considers the whole town, but can we be certain businesses and people will move into the former village center when the tax discrepancy is far lower?

There is no certainty going forward.

The greater question to me is can change happen if it doesn’t have to happen? The village residents will decide in the November vote since it is they determining how they want to be governed. I am ready to serve on the town board, given either scenario above.

I do know these things for sure:

• I am not afraid of discussion, especially with those holding a different view.

• I am not afraid of change or to change my mind when presented with facts.

• I want people to feel closer to their government. I want people to know they have a voice.

The role of government is to provide for the common good those services that are needed.

All the people living in this town together make this a wonderful place to live. In our community there are so many talented and hard working people…we should have a common vision moving forward.

After the vote, be it one government or two, we can stagnate in thoughts of what should have been or could have been or we can charge ahead forward, ready to roll up our sleeves and get to work making Potsdam an even better place than it is today.

Rose Rivezzi, Potsdam

Candidate for Town Board