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Village of Fredonia Trustee Jon Espersen has announced that he will seeking a second term in the upcoming election.
"We are all aware that the water situation in the village is our most pressing need," he said. "For far too long past administrations chose to disregard what the County Department of Health and numerous engineering reports detailed. That line of thinking has to end. That is why I fought so hard for a comprehensive engineering report, encompassing all of the village's options regarding our source of water. The resolution for that study narrowly passed, with two trustees preferring a study that would only include our current water source. I can only conclude that they were concerned the study might recommend we purchase water from another entity, or they felt they are more knowledgeable than the experts conducting the study.As far as I am concerned, I believe we should gather as much information as possible to make a truly informed decision.
"During a Zoom debate during the last election, I stated that one of my goals was to work to improve the relationship between the village and SUNY Fredonia. To that end, I have been meeting regularly with a group of professors at the college discussing projects that would get students involved in the community.
"Last semester a group of students updated the village web site and created social media sites for the village. Prior to that the village had no sites that students use to get news or information. Additionally, a group of students are GIS mapping the village's water mains. When that is complete, the DPW department will have the ability to instantly identify the source of a water main break, potentially saving millions of gallons of water. Additionally, there is an ongoing sedimentation and erosion study at the village's reservoir. The results will help predict rates of erosion in the future. Also, students in the PIC Math program underwent a study to develope a mathematical equation to determine the amount of water that is actually accounted for in customers water/sewer bills. That study will be taken up again in the spring semester.
"I have engaged the public in events held periodically at various local establishments. I feel it is vitally important to listen to the concerns and ideas of those we represent. I will continue to hold these events as long as residents continue to attend.
"I'm asking voters to support me again in November to finish the job that we have started. I would be happy to speak with anyone that may have any questions. My number is 716-467-8328."