To the Editor:

I just do not believe that dissolution of the Village of Potsdam is in anyone’s best interest, not the Village of Potsdam, not the Town of Potsdam Outside Villages (TOV), and not the Village of Norwood.

Other than pursuing a Special Police District which requires state approval and whose chances of implementation are extremely slim, the Town Board has been unwilling to give the Village any idea of what they will do after dissolution.

The government closest to the people is that which governs best. To vote for dissolution is to change from 100% of the voters living inside the village deciding what’s best for the village to having that number drop to 40% or less.

Given that the other 60% or more who live outside the village of Potsdam cannot vote about whether or not they have to completely absorb us through dissolution, we should expect to either lose services or have as many as possible put into districts that only we pay for. Taxes will not go down as much as some people expect.

Savings can be implemented by the village itself, based on village residents’ preferences. Additionally, we already have some shared services with the town, and the Dissolution Study Committee has recommended suggestions for looking at more potential sharing (and efficiencies). This is the direction to go, and we should elect village and town board representatives committed to it. Residents should also get involved by letting their elected officials know what they want to happen.

Dissolution has far too much uncertainty and is permanent. If you are not happy with what happens afterwards, it will not be possible to reverse the decision. Voting NO provides the opportunity to work for change with new leadership while maintaining local village control.

Eleanor Hopke

Candidate for Village Trustee