To the Editor:

Potsdam Village Board,

I was surprised to get a letter in the mail from you threatening me with fines and a jail term. I think that it is important how we communicate with each other and that the goal of communication should be to foster co-operation and a sense of community.

We can all agree that well maintained property adds to our sense of well-being. Threatening messages lead to adversarial relationships, not productive ones.

For my own part, it is obvious that I have not succeeded in convincing you that spending by the village is too high. I was disappointed when you added another officer to the police force and now I find that you have added another code enforcement official. There are five people working down there now, three code officers, a director of the department and a secretary.

The town and village of Massena are discussing sharing one officer. Why is it that we need three? I suggest that you get rid of the director and the newest hire.

It looks like you are trying to spend the money from the higher tax appraisals, rather than trying to rein in your spending. The biggest problem in the village is high taxes. Let’s see if we can change that.

Willy Dailey

Parishville, Potsdam