Have you ever been stuck in a rut? Lots of them with the wet weather lately. There are big ones in my town of Sheridan. They’re filled with complacency, apathy, resignation, and disassociation.

The timing of this opinion column’s submission corresponds with the day of local election results. I ran for a seat on my hometown’s board. I gave it my best shot. I devoted time and energy, setting aside many of my usual commitments, putting as much effort into a campaign as I could, traveling the roads of the town, meeting folks and enjoying their fall decorations.

We do have a town we can be proud of with a little work, promotion, and positivity. I am grateful for the support I received and tried to put my donations to good use. But I’m not satisfied with “I tried.” This was my second attempt and I did not budge the wheels at all.

I was not aware of my defeat right away. Rather than stalking the polls at 9 p.m., I was a poll worker myself at a neighboring district, helping to facilitate the democratic process for others to vote. It was a more productive way for me to spend election day alongside three wonderfully dedicated defenders of democracy.

I was brought up in Sheridan and returned to my home in 2000 when I was hired as a U.S. Postal Service clerk for this area. Of course, the town was changing, but in my view not really for the better. It was a nice place to grow up, close, friendly, local businesses making a go of it, a sense of being a Sheridanite. So maybe I am biased in my love for Sheridan. I would love to share my pride in my hometown with the entire area. I would love to be a part of determining its future, as I was a part of its past.

Sheridan has an interesting past. A handful of residents who know and appreciate that are struggling to keep up an historic building in the center of town along with the many artifacts donated there through the years. The historical society holds regular open houses through the summer months and visiting is welcome other times by appointment. Visits, however, have been a disappointment. How many residents have explored there, let alone even know it exists? The town gives a yearly much appreciated grant which helps with maintenance, but what about attending and supporting with town representation, functions and events?

The town of Sheridan is losing its identity.It is merely geographic borders. Some of those are poorly marked, if marked at all. The absence of an attractive welcome sign when entering a town tells a symbolic tale of the extent of care and pride the town has in itself.

Many residents don’t realize they live in Sheridan. They know, if they are active in democracy, that they get a yellow card from the county board of elections telling them that is where they vote. Unless they have a post office box, their mailing address will not be Sheridan. The 14135 ZIP code is slowly being squeezed from existence and I will not be surprised if it is eliminated through the cuts that PMG Louis DeJoy is making. My mother served as Sheridan postmaster for many years. I was proud to be able to be in charge of that post office for a short time as part of my postal career. It was my favorite of over a dozen offices that I worked in.

Sheridan had two thriving religious communities.Now one is gone, currently the site of the Sheridan Municipal complex. The other is hanging on, trying to rebuild its congregation and deserving credit for its efforts. The auditorium of St John Bosco, now the town’s, used to be a gathering place, used by residents for all types of functions. It is in dire need of repair. Thankfully, there is an option in town for that in the VFW Post 6390, which is a nice facility for scheduling meetings and events. But wouldn’t it be beneficial to the community for the town to offer that also?

Sheridan Bay Park in the past was a nice, welcoming site on the lake where residents could enjoy family gatherings, picnics and swimming, daily recreation as well as camping. It was well kept, with a pavilion, small store, ball field, playground and a lifeguard. The youth rode a bus there in the summer as part of the town’s recreation program. Children who went to different schools got acquainted through that program, which is a shadow of what it once was, with a playground that invites very few children any more. And now the lakeside park is only a haven for campers, the lakefront is a mess, the pavilion is demolished. Work is planned, but will it ever be restored to an enjoyable recreation spot for people of the town to visit?

Neighboring communities like Dunkirk and Sunset Bay have maintained and developed their lakefront. Sheridan has a big chunk of lakefront. Restaurants? Lakeside entertainment spots? Why are we not attracting businesses? Is the town doing all it can to help businesses thrive?

I’ve heard discouraging stories. Our grape farms are wonderful but there is still more to offer here. Shops and restaurants serve the community, we need and should support a variety of businesses. They bring revenue to the town.

Getting stuck in a rut is letting the status quo remain in charge.

Times change, opportunities must be seized. Town governments need revenue to provide infrastructure and amenities for their residents. How much is enough? More is enough. Sheridan needs to reclaim its pride, rebuild and improve.

Progressive thinking can bring change. Sheridan had a town cop at one time. We can have one again. Law enforcement is needed more now than ever, and that would help assuage concerns that issues may arise if newly legal revenue is allowed in the town, that could pay for that new job. Positive thinking can break out of ruts.

Promotion is key to keeping Sheridan alive. With school districts, mailing addresses, and phone exchanges all dividing the town, actively pitching what the town has to offer is needed. Promoting and supporting town events meant to build community spirit.

I am not sorry for myself for losing my race but I am sorry that I couldn’t convince enough Sheridan residents to simply vote for a new view; for enthusiasm and positivity; for demanding responses when they’ve reached out to town officials; for prompt solutions to their problems; for town meetings that are well advertised, attended, and transparent; for representation on the town board of both political parties. Sheridan is not necessarily a Republican town.

Political affiliation is more equivalent than it would appear. Voter turnout is what makes the difference. If you are not happy with things the way they are going, if you want something to change, at least go vote! Election competition will help keep your officials on their toes to a limited extent, but you need to vote! You need to go to public meetings, regularly held the second Wednesday of the month in Sheridan.

That being said, I certainly appreciate and thank all the Sheridan voters that get it! Let’s not give up. I may not be an elected official, but I am a Sheridan taxpayer and I have a voice. We all do if we choose to use it in a way that will benefit the community we live in. Let’s climb out of the ruts.

Susan Bigler is a Sheridan resident. Send comments to editorial@observertoday.com