To the Editor:

This is an open letter to the residents of Knox.

It’s with mixed emotions that I address this letter to the residents of Knox. I have met many of you through working at the transfer station, being a member of the Kiwanis Club of the Helderbergs, and also in my capacity as one of your councilmen serving on your Knox Town Board. I’ve been fortunate to regard many of you not only as friends but as family.

As we all know, families will have their differences which sometimes can drive a wedge in between its members. This also happens in politics and is all too obvious in our polarized presidential campaign at the national level. Unfortunately, this also trickles down to local politics as well.

I’ve been proud to have served you all since my appointment to the board and I have always tempered every decision as town councilman with what was lawful, proper, and best for the residents of the town of Knox. I feel all interested parties, regardless of their party affiliation, should have an equal voice in politics. They deserve to be heard — not discredited, misrepresented or intimidated.

As our founding fathers penned, “All men are created equal.”

Many of you know that I created a third party and circulated an Independent Nominating Petition whereby I was fortunate enough to gain your support across the political spectrum for the upcoming election under the Unify Knox Party. I can't thank you all enough for your encouragement and kind words.

I chose to call it “Unify Knox” because that is what effective leadership does — it unifies people. An effective leader uses common sense, sound judgement, and communication to guide him or her to the proper decision. Neither party affiliations nor personal gain or agendas should ever enter into the mix.

That said, I will get to my reason for writing this open letter to all of you. Due to some recent decisions and hard personal choices, my family and I have undertaken plans to move to The Netherlands. We have been fortunate enough to have the opportunity for our daughter to study there prior to attending university and have decided to emigrate with her to give her a support network while she acclimates to the new culture — it’s not all tulips and wooden shoes after all!

Because of my successful campaigning, my name will appear on the November ballot as the candidate who stands for unity and common sense in politics regardless of party affiliation. Since I will not be able to fulfill my role as councilman for much longer, I would like to ask all of my supporters, as well as those who want strong, thoughtful leadership, a favor.

It has recently come to my attention that a person who embodies all of what makes a sound leader, has decided to run for my seat on the board. That person is Dan Hanley and I strongly endorse him and hope you will too.

I’ve known Dan ever since our daughters first played soccer together here on the hill at Berne-Knox-Westerlo many years ago and we’ve had many interactions ever since. I know Dan to be a man with strong family values; a willingness to serve his community; and, as importantly, the time to dedicate to it. He's also a man of unwavering integrity.

So, in closing, I would like to thank all of you who have given my colleagues and me your unending support and helped us through the inevitable political “growing pains.” I’d like to thank you all and encourage you to offer your support for Dan Hanley at the upcoming Democratic caucus on Sept. 19 at 7 p.m. at the Knox Town Hall and also at the November election.

Dan stands for integrity, common sense and strong leadership and will be your best choice for Knox Town Councilman.

Eric Kuck, councilman

Knox Town Board

Editor’s note: See related story.