To the Editor:

I write to endorse Marty Miller for Town Supervisor and Alex Jacobs-Wilke for Village Mayor.

Working with Marty on the Town Board, I find him to be smart, sensible, a listener, and someone who cares deeply about Potsdam. Serving as Deputy Supervisor for three years, Marty brings significant experience acquiring and managing public works, recreation, and infrastructure grant-funded projects. Whoever steps into the role of Supervisor without Marty's experience and history will have a steep hill to climb. While I love progressive and fresh ideas, the Town needs consistency and stability to manage major projects already in progress.

Being Town Supervisor requires a leader who considers many perspectives. Marty and I don’t always agree, but that is not what serving in government means. You don't always get your way. You present, you listen, collaborate, and compromise to deliver the best possible options to your constituents. Marty is someone with whom you can discuss ideas, feel heard, and learn from each other. As a Board, for example, we have weighed the need for eco-adaptation with the concerns of financial insecurity of the Townspeople and we continue to seek resolution.

Alex Jacobs-Wilke has served as a Village Trustee for four years and brings a multitude of relevant experiences to the job of Village Mayor. Her experience as SUNY Potsdam Public Relations Director is vital as the Village grows through decline in population and local colleges’ enrollment decline. Alex has served on the Children’s Museum board, Village of Potsdam Zoning Board of Appeals, and St. Lawrence County Chamber Board of Directors. We need competence and experience to lead and engage members of the Village, Town, and County. Alex is ready for the job.

My concern with write-in candidates is that they lack the experience needed for the job or seem driven by single issues that affect them personally. Being promoted by a non-resident landlord should also make a voter suspect. I would expect more from someone seeking to step into the shoes of Village Mayor and Town Supervisor. At the very least, a candidate should do their homework (e.g., Town Board members do not make $19,000 stipends); serve on Village and Board Committees; and attend a few Village and Board meetings.

Vote for Marty Miller for Town Supervisor and Alex Jacobs Wilke for Village Mayor. We need their experience and competence.

Lynn Hall
Potsdam