Confessions

Two years ago I was nominated at the Democratic Caucus to run for the position being vacated by Trustee McKenna.  I accepted the nomination, was voted in during the November election, and joined the village board in December of 2021. But even two years later, I feel less a politician and more an investigative reporter trying to elucidate village finances.

It is a great privilege to be part of the small legislative body that tries to oversee spending habits and the development of local laws.  I feel fortunate to have the right to ask questions, to access historical and financial records, and to then report back to the community that asked me to step up.  

But no one person runs the show. The village of Potsdam operates on an annual budget of  $11.5 million and employs around 60 people.  Those employees maintain roads, underground water and sewer pipes, recreational opportunities at parks and the beach, maintain our museum and provide emergency response and police protection, as well as documentation and maintain the village ledger, none of it easy.  All parts work together remarkably well, even during the occasional hiccups when workers or board members transfer out, a vital piece of hardware equipment or service fails and staff must scramble to maintain operations.

Today is a day when community members may opt to join the village board at the local caucus. Three out of the five seats are up for election; both Mayor Tischler and Trustee Lee have announced their retirements, while Trustee Jacobs-Wilke has announced her desire to run for Mayor.  New faces will therefore join the board where they will face confusing and conflicting demands requiring careful deliberations and pragmatic decisions. I urge everyone to consider joining the effort to improve village finances and functions.