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We strongly back a pair of candidates for Fredonia village trustees in this election in Jon Espersen and Paul Wandel. Espersen, in his two-year stint, has been a voice of reason while being willing to patiently listen to constituent concerns and then politely answer.
Wandel, as his lawn signs note, brings a fresh voice and set of eyes to a village that has struggled with finding common ground over the last 15 years. As someone who recently moved to the village, he seeks to be a problem solver. That is a plus when you consider the Fredonia board is one of the most incompetent and volatile within this county when it comes to working together.
It is not as easy to choose from the four other candidates for the other seat.
Incumbent James Lynden has served two terms and his accomplishments can be written in invisible ink. In the past, he was tasked with finding property for a new police facility. That never materialized. In addition, he continues to delay progress with village water while also consistently downplaying the current and real crisis at the State University of New York at Fredonia with enrollment that is tied in part to water-quality issues.
Who needs enemies when villagers can have that type of representation?
Michael C. Barris is a traditionalist when it comes to government. He loves the village and what it offers, but has not offered his vision for the municipality's future.
Current Trustee David Bird is still finding his way though he remains overly loyal to village employees and their supervisors. He was one of the drivers in making sure the Department of Public Works supervisor received a nearly 20% pay increase over the last year. We definitely do not agree with this fiscal irresponsibility, especially when you consider one of the lawsuits facing the village involves the blaze at Heenan's that was carelessly caused by a village DPW employee torching weeds outside the establishment.
Challenger Ben Brauchler came across as amicable and insightful at the League of Women Voters debate. He seems open minded and willing to communicate. Those are important characteristics that usually do not happen at Village Board gatherings. Brauchler gets our nod as well.