To the Editor:

We live in a beautiful and unique community here in Altamont and that is what attracted us to retire here after being in a family landscape-florist business for over 50 years in neighboring Rotterdam.

Right now is a very important time for our village government and ultimately all of us citizens, and could be a turning point in which way businesses big and small view us. After operating a small business for all those years, we are quite sensitive to the needs of a community and about the desires of business in general.

Michelle Ganance and Nick Fahrenkopf have proven so far to have the qualities to help keep us moving forward in a healthy manner and that is why we as a husband and wife and past business partners are supporting this proven team.

We also do understand the other side of the coin where folks don’t want to see change and businesses try to come into a community or try to improve their existing business. We understand that there are a lot of people who don’t want to see anything change for fear of ruining the look or quaint feeling that we all seem to love about Altamont.

However, if change is done in a responsible manner with caring, informed village government — mayor, trustees, zoning and planning committees — it can and will be something that will help keep Altamont a most desirable and beautiful place to live and raise our families.

With this said, it is most important for all village citizens to vote for Michelle Ganance and Nick Fahrenkopf for the two village trustees positions in Altamont.

Elections will be March 19, with voting at the village hall from noon to 9 p.m.

Gary and JoAnn Deluke

Altamont