Give former Fredonia village Trustee Heidi Powell some credit. She was diplomatic in announcing she was stepping down from her position earlier this month.

“Dear board members, I am writing to inform you of my decision to resign my position on the board of the village of Fredonia, effective immediately,” her letter states. “My other commitments have become too great for me to be able to fulfill the requirements of my position on the board. I appreciate the opportunity that serving as a trustee has provided.”

As polite as her note sounded, there is no question there is more to it. Throughout the village, there is a sense residents are being let down.

It truly is nothing new. Fredonia’s elected officials have a history of being some of the worst representatives over the last decade. This board has just taken it to a new level by contracting with out-of-town companies when a major taxpayer is just across the street. It has made working conditions for staff members so unbearable the CSEA regional union leaders showed up.

Additionally, they have mistreated many of their department heads. Some have resigned or were forced out while the others who remain deal with the incompetence.

Being on this board is a lot of pressure. Powell probably did not want that or the aggravation that has come along with it.

At one recent meeting, Trustee Roger Britz bragged about how well the board was working together. That is being out of touch.

Villagers, at the moment, have no pride in how government business is being conducted.