To the Editor:
As we approach the one-year anniversary of dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, I would like to recognize the efforts of the town of New Scotland and our employees.

The unknowns of this pandemic were very difficult to handle but our elected officials and employees have done a fantastic job during these trying times! Early on, the town board recognized our duties to protect our employees and our residents while continuing to provide the services that are expected.  

Safety measures were implemented, schedules were adapted, and proposed projects were paused. Last March, anticipating lower sales-tax revenues and uncertain state funding, the town board along with Highway Superintendent Ken Guyer decided a project pause would be our biggest opportunity for savings. Regular highway department services, like brush removal, were expanded and grant-funded projects, like the Hilton Barn/Park and paving, were paused. 

Throughout this past year, the board has met almost weekly to receive updates on case numbers in the town and to adapt our procedures as needed. Zoom meetings allowed us to continue to move forward with town issues while hardly missing a beat!

I personally wish to recognize our town board members Bill Hennessey, Adam Greenberg, Dan Leinung, and Bridgit Burke for all their efforts during these tough times! Because of their efforts, the town weathered 2020 and will start 2021 in excellent fiscal shape. Thank you!

Joining us in these meetings and efforts were Highway Superintendent Ken Guyer and Town Clerk Lisa Williams as well as newly retired Town Clerk Diane Deschenes, and Town Attorney Michael Naughton.  Thank you also!

Too numerous to mention individually are all of the town of New Scotland employees: Highway, Water and Sewer, Parks, Courts, and here at Town Hall. Thank you all!

To our town of New Scotland residents, a special thank-you for your patience, understanding, and the many kind acknowledgments you’ve made concerning our efforts!

We certainly are not out of the woods yet, but here’s to hoping 2021 returns us all to a little bit more normalcy! 

Doug LaGrange 

Supervisor

Town of New Scotland