To the Editor:

As most of you know, May 17 is election day for the Potsdam School Board. I would like to encourage everyone to vote for my two dear friends, Ann Carvill and Mary Ashley Carroll. I have known both these women for almost 20 years, and I first met them through our mutual interest in the welfare of the children of Potsdam Central School.

Ann initially came to the board meetings as an interested parent. She soon ran for the board, and I served with her for over seven years. Mary also came as an interested parent and after several years, ran for the board in two hotly contested elections which she lost. Far from being deterred, Mary continued to religiously attend board meetings. Then several years ago, she ran again and won.

Both Ann and Mary are “straight arrows.” They believe in transparency and they believed in it years ago when it was not the normal way of doing business. They do not always take the popular stance on an issue, but you can depend on the fact that they have thought the issue through and sought advice from parents, students, teachers, administrators and taxpayers.

These are hard times, and we need people on the board who are hard workers, creative thinkers and people who understand that sometimes had decisions must be made and who have the courage to make them. Mary and Ann are people like this. Over the years, we have had countless conversations about education in general and Potsdam Public Schools in particular. Our district has a treasure in these two women. They have it all, including vast experience observing and being on the board.

I hope to see you at the polls.

Judy Rich, past school board member-15 years

Potsdam