To the Editor:

I am writing to enthusiastically support Laurel Bohl’s candidacy for Guilderland Town Board. Laurel has devoted several hours each week to attend board meetings and raise important issues surrounding recently-approved projects.

Her balanced approach, which is both business- and resident-friendly, encourages commercial development but not at the sacrifice of our community.

Laurel will refuse donations from businesses with proposals before the board and calls for current board members to make the same ethical choice.

Most importantly, she advocates for preservation of neighborhoods and natural resources by proposing new codes to protect residential areas, traffic studies unbiased by special interests, a ban on the clear-cutting of trees, an environmentalist on the planning board, collaboration with nearby towns to reduce energy costs, an open-space plan that includes playgrounds, better representation of diverse interests, and a Residents Advisory Committee to speak on behalf of those who live in and love Guilderland.

Not surprisingly, Laurel has earned the endorsement of many residents and the Sierra Club. If you want to support the preservation of trees and neighborhoods, support Laurel.

Otherwise, prepare yourselves for scenes similar to this recently approved project site as you drive through what’s left of our town.

This picture reminds me of John Muir’s thought: “God has cared for these trees, saved them from drought, disease, avalanches, and a thousand tempests and floods. But he cannot save them from fools.”

Kathy Zazarine

Guilderland