To the Editor:

I last wrote regarding the Guilderland election on April 22, 2021 (“Guilderland has a blind spot toward Altamont”). In my letter to the editor at that time, I raised various concerns I had regarding the election of councilpersons who should effectively work together to support areas of mutual interest between the town and the village of Altamont.

I hoped that residents would consider candidates who would work to build a broad perspective of the interconnections within the entire town, especially including the village of Altamont.

As the mayor of the village from 2005 to 2017, and a 37-year resident, I learned how important  a role Altamont plays in the town’s affairs. I want my elected town representative to understand this relationship as part of the basis of their decision-making, recognizing that their decisions can significantly affect us in the village and the larger Guilderland community. I firmly believe we need board members with a strong view on the importance of each municipality working together.

Consideration of Altamont’s geographical and historical importance, and its parks and walking trails, should be seriously taken into account when the town makes decisions for grant applications, sidewalk initiatives, and be part and parcel of fair and equitable decisions when allocating resources, as just a few examples.

After months of consideration, and listening to the candidates explain their positions on this issue and others, I have made my decision for whom I will vote. I ask that you join me and vote for Amanda Beedle and Christine Napierski for town board.

Beedle and Napierski have pledged to promote careful growth that balances preserving existing neighborhoods while protecting our diverse tax base. Their promotion of our parklands and open space, and pledging to continue to grow our town and village pedestrian and bicycle networks, moves us forward in a way that reflects the values that I feel are held by our village residents.

Their clear and strong support for updating the town comprehensive plan, with transparent and serious public participation, is very important to protect Guilderland’s and Altamont’s quality of life. The recent experiences we have all had regarding the efficient operation of open and transparent government needs the kind of digital innovation they pledge and that we need to enhance the quality and efficiency of  town meetings.

Even though both candidates come from diverse interests and backgrounds, they appreciate the importance of unity on these objectives. They have worked very hard to connect with residents and have responded to their concerns about the future of our town in a manner that I believe represents all of us.  Although initially opponents in the primary election, they have coalesced as a strong team collaboratively, a quality that is essential in our current world of divisiveness and political adversity.

Both Amanda and Christine have demonstrated the kind of qualities that will service us well as our representatives on the Guilderland Town Board. Cast your vote for them on election day, Nov. 2, 2021, or during early voting from Oct. 23 to 31.

James  M.  Gaughan

Altamont