To the Editor:

Village of Potsdam, District 10 Voters/Taxpayers: Tuesday, November the 4th is a very important day for everyone residing in the “North Country,” especially for its taxpayers.

On Nov. 4 we have a small window of opportunity to revamp our legislative make-up, including a chance to change our fiscal situation for the better at the county level of government.

As we know, St. Lawrence County encompasses a large portion of the “North Country.” This county is an amazing place to live with a diverse populace and culture, it has been said, “we are in the middle of nowhere, but in the middle of everywhere.”

Currently, St. Lawrence County is one of the most economically depressed counties in New York State, and even though the county harbor’s abundant natural resources, the reality is, it has all but been abandoned by large scale manufacturing for many different reasons. Obviously in conjunction with this loss of manufacturing is the loss of “living wage” jobs that greatly enhanced our quality of life, as well as the county tax base.

One of the most important, and primary functions of the county legislature is to manage our dwindling, collective financial resources. Now more than ever we need a team of financial/economic experts working together to enhance and improve upon the so- called, “five year plan,” or even trash it if need be. We need individuals that are knowledgeable and ready to adjust that plan to the counties ever-changing financial situation.

Fellow voters/taxpayers in the Village of Potsdam, District 10, I am very optimistic and confident we have found a candidate who will work hard for all taxpayers regardless of political affiliation to meet this current, and future fiscal challenge…Dr. Joe Timmerman is no doubt that individual.

Dr. Timmerman has a unique and varied background in financial management, he possesses professional competence formerly as a commercial banker and now, currently serving as the Business Administration Department Chair at SUNY Potsdam.

Joe is running against incumbent Jim Bunstone in District 10, and as a member of the legislative team, Dr. Timmerman will definitely be a step in the right direction to generate a financially sound future for St. Lawrence County and all of it’s residents.

Please…vote Joe Timmerman for County Legislator to represent the Village of Potsdam, District 10 on Nov. 4.

SMSgt. Dean Laubscher, USAF, (Ret.)

Potsdam