To the Editor:

Two weeks ago, a trillion ton iceberg the size of Delaware broke from the Larsen C ice shelf in Antarctica.

In the spirit of “Think globally, act locally,” one small act:

It’s globally irresponsible for Altamont to continue to employ its over-sized and unnecessary police department. Hour after hour, day after day, sometimes two patrol crs at once, officers drive around and around, surveilling this one dangerous square mile, looking for trouble where there is none. It’s such a waste. Thousands of gallons of gasoline burned for nothing.

Without the Altamont Police Department, the village would still be covered by state, county, and town police. That’s how it is in Knox, Berne, Voorheesville, Clarksville, Westerlo, and Rensselaerville. They don’t appear to be suffering crime waves.

The township of Clifton Park — 50 square miles, population near 40,000 — has no police department. Annual police budget: $0.00

If Altamont has anything resembling a plan for responsible energy goals, as most progressive communities do these days, it would have to include taking a hard look at this wasteful, unnecessary department.

Put up a plaque. Call it history.

G. Warner

Altamont