To the Editor:

Although I do not reside in that particular neighborhood, I would like to thank the Massena Fire Department for taking the time and effort to pump out the flooded area in the Homecroft neighborhood.

I was encouraged to learn about this and that there is at least this one (underappreciated and under-recognized) bastion of the non-partisan ideal of community service remaining in our village. Speaking also as someone who experienced 9/11 in NYC that sad day, I would point out that this is yet another fine example of what our good men and women in red all over this country do for us and on our behalf each and every day, without asking for approval, permission, or seeking political reward.

That being said, not only has Massena become somewhat of a boneyard for businesses, but it seems to me as if the mayor and (some) of his colleagues are also actually going out of their way to discourage people from residing or purchasing homes in Massena as well.

Maybe it’s just really poor PR, but there has been a lot of talk and action from our elected village representatives about what “cannot” or “will no longer” be done.

It would be nice once in awhile to hear about some ideas and actions from them of what can and what is being done to encourage both business as well as current and potential homeowners.

There’s a lot of strain these days, and a lot of gossip (most pointed of which is what’s currently going on in the school district).

Is it too much to ask for you guys to throw us a bone just every now and then?

Leland Farnsworth, Massena