To the Editor:

I am writing to express my support for the re-election of Adam Greenberg and the election of Dan Leinung to the New Scotland Town Council. I am also in support of the re-election of Doug LaGrange, who is running unopposed for the position of town supervisor.

I grew up with Adam Greenberg. As town councilman, he successfully recruited me to be on the town board. During my last two years serving beside Adam on the board, I have been incredibly impressed by his untiring commitment to the well-being of our town.

Whether it is his collaborative work to save the Hilton barn and create the Captain Joseph Hilton Town Park, address critical planning issues facing the town, ask tough questions about town finances, or push for high-speed internet access for all residents of our town, Adam has shown himself to be the engine behind a great many of the current board’s accomplishments.

Recently, due to a series of changes in my life including my return to work full-time at my family’s business, Indian Ladder Farms, and my current work on a proposal for a book, I unfortunately no longer have enough time to dedicate to fulfilling the responsibilities of town councilperson. Given the many critical issues currently facing our town, this was a tough decision.

But the final factor in my choice not to continue on the board was the willingness of New Scotland Planning Board member Daniel Leinung to run for the seat. I have so much trust and confidence in Dan.

We share values on smart-growth principles that protect agricultural land and open space while supporting small-business development. As an attorney for the New York State Senate, he has the professional skills we need and his recent experience on the planning board has deeply familiarized him with the development issues facing the town. Having Dan step up has given me peace of mind in my decision not to run again.

As I prepare to leave the town board, I would like to note that we are at a very important juncture in the town of New Scotland. The rural nature of our town that makes it such a desirable place to live is at risk of being consumed by suburban sprawl in the same way that sprawl has consumed our neighboring towns of Guilderland and Bethlehem.

Literally, the only way to stop this from happening is by being involved in supporting the passage of town land-use regulations that encourage smart growth, conserve agricultural land and open space, and maintain our rural character.

People must pay attention to what is happening at the local level by attending town meetings; visiting the town’s website to read meeting agendas, minutes, and draft documents; and continuing to elect town board members like Adam and Dan who will work hard in support of the effort to maintain our town's rural character.

Laura Ten Eyck

New Scotland

Editor’s note: Laura Ten Eyck, a Democrat, is a member of the New Scotland Town Board not seeking re-election.