BY ADAM ATKINSON

North Country This Week

POTSDAM — Monique Tirion is running for Potsdam village trustee on the Democratic line in the November election.

Tirion, a Democrat and newcomer to village politics, is a research professor in physics at Clarkson University and a American Physical Society (APS) Blewett award winner. She has been a Science Café speaker and has been active in the community in various capacity over the years.

When asked what would make her a good fit of the position Tirion points to her bent to study and look for answers to complex problems.

“One quality I would bring to the table is a willingness to delve into topics, no matter how thorny, by studying documents and asking questions. The stakeholders of Potsdam are keen to understand issues and quick to make suggestions: the best decisions draw from the experience and learning of many participants. I would like to ensure that we continue to invite everyone to the table,” she said.

The Democrat’s experience sitting on the village’s police reform committee led to her making a decision to get more involved in politics and run for the open trustee seat.

“Last year was a year of reckoning, a time to reconsider what we do and why. I took part in the local police reform committee to address possible racist tendencies in our police department. I was humbled by the courage of people trying to point to difficult issues, the willingness of our officers to examine and address these issues, and the enormous amount of work that all members of the committee put in,” she said. “It continues to feel as if we are at an “all hands on deck” type of moment in history.”

If elected, Tirion says she would like to take a closer look at the municipalities hydroelectric dams and the effect of their long rehab on the village budget.

“In general, I would like to clarify the current and projected budgetary constraints of the Village of Potsdam so that we can continue to enjoy all the amenities we are used to,” she said.

Tirion feels the village must prepare for the day when recent influxes of government cash are no longer available to the village to spur development.

“Potsdam Village is enjoying strong growth due to the exciting $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative. In addition, the American Rescue Act is providing Potsdam with over half a million dollars. These funds provide Potsdam with a unique opportunity to grow and prosper but we must prepare for the day when these one-time funds expire,” she said.

When asked what she felt separates her from her opponents, Tirion said she would like to think that very little separates her from the other two candidates who are vying for the position.

“We are all Potsdam Village stakeholders eager to support our community and way of life,” said Tirion.

“As a newcomer I will have much to learn to catch up with the current administration members, and I hope they will have the patience to guide me through endless documents and red tape,” she said of some of the challenges she expects to face if elected.

“If elected, I look forward to continued insights from all members of our community. You will often see me biking or walking around Potsdam, and I welcome every chance to chat. Else please use the Village of Potsdam FB website, email or phone to input ideas and suggestions,” she said.