To the Editor: 

I enthusiastically agree with last week's Altamont Enterprise editorial acknowledging the many accomplishments of former Guilderland supervisor Ken Runion. This list should also include the addition to the park’s system, the soccer complex at DiCaprio Park. 

However, I was stunned when it characterized the early retirement as tarnishing his legacy. After serving 13 years and 11 months in elective office as supervisor, Ken took early retirement in his final month, December, perhaps the slowest month for town government especially for an official leaving office.

In contrast, any succeeding supervisor will have many responsibilities prior to taking office and forming a new administration including the preparation of a list of appointments, reappointments, interviews, etc. for the many town positions to be filled in early January. The additional month of December will be beneficial for a seamless transition from one administration to the next.

In fact, Ken stated as much as one reason to step down early. Giving up five weeks of salary is not chicken feed at that level of pay.

All the best to Ken for a job well done and wishing him and his wife, Helene, all happiness and success in the future.

I extend the same best wishes and congratulate our newly elected officials Supervisor Peter Barber and town board members Rosemary Centi and Lee Carman. I’m convinced this will be a productive team to keep Guilderland a great place to live, work, and enjoy all that it has to offer.

Gerard Houser

Guilderland

Editor’s note: Gerard Houser is the Community Gardens Coordinator for the town of Guilderland.