To the Editor:

Recent decisions on Stewart’s expansion (rezone) and the cell tower (contract with developer) highlight a need to elect proactive Altamont Board of Trustee candidates. My observation is that recent decisions have put the planning board in an awkward position with unnecessary constraints.

When board of trustee action is required, proactive trustees will step up and exercise the responsibility of the office. They will inform residents in a transparent and timely manner, explore possible strategic alternatives with the developer, and initiate a process with sufficient time for informed public comment.

To state that development is not one’s area of expertise or that it is only the planning board’s job to deal with the details is to simply abrogate responsibility as trustee. Surely personal research and/or consultation with experts can be readily pursued.

The two most important decisions the board of trustees will face going forward involve:

— 1. Review of major development proposals (e.g. the mega development near the library) and

— 2. Water infrastructure issues: water quality, water supply, stormwater runoff and drainage and flood control.

Environmental expertise will be vital for both.

Smart growth can balance the need for development with preservation sensitive to unique community character, environment, values, and the spirit of the adopted comprehensive plan. Many communities all across the nation, similar to Altamont, are successfully pursuing this approach.

In view of all the above, I believe that Simon Litten (environmental scientist) and James Sullivan (schoolteacher) are candidates best qualified to serve as trustees by virtue of experience, expertise, communication skills, and desire for timely citizen notification and involvement with an opt-in email notification.

Cast your vote Tuesday, March 19, from noon till 9 p.m. at the village hall community room.

John E. Smith

Altamont