To the Editor:

I feel the need to speak on the upcoming town-wide races in Knox. Having served on the town council for six years during the time when Knox went through the contentious issue of full-value taxation, I have witnessed meaningful, emotional, and highly charged debate on issues with lasting effects on our whole town.

The successful outcome was achieved and now we have a much more fair and accurate process for local assessment.

So while giving a nod to raucous policy decision in our town history, I see no reason to tolerate the divisive tenor of our current town supervisor. That a member of the gallery was asked by a sheriff’s deputy to leave last month’s meeting for intervening in another resident’s filming of the open meeting is a low point in our history.

We are at a low point both locally and nationally in our ability to have civil discourse about the many issues of the day.

For these reasons and for the future of our town, homes, children, and families we need to elect candidates known for their humanity, civility, regard for their colleagues and constituents, respect for our environment, actions to enhance our community, and ability to be professional in their roles as our elected leaders.

These values are the mainstay of the Democratic slate of candidates in Knox.

The ticket is led by Amy Pokorny, who along with her husband, Russ, has provided the residents of Knox with a beautiful “Octagon Barn” for all of us to use. Let this action speak of her dedication to the future of Knox.

Leadership by example deserves your vote.

Alexander Gordon

Knox

Editor’s note: A Democrat, Alexander Gordon is a former Knox councilman, Albany County legislator, and Knox Democratic Party chairman.