BY ADAM ATKINSON
North Country This Week
POTSDAM — A local community organizer with previous careers in teaching, museum coordination and corporate relations, is running as a write-in candidate for Potsdam Town Supervisor.
Larissa Fawkner hopes to draw from a varied resume of work and volunteer experience if elected to the supervisor’s position.
On Election Day, she faces current deputy supervisor and Democratic Party nominee Marty Miller, and a second write-in candidate, Peggy Brusso, a former clerk of the supervisor.
North Country This Week recently asked the candidates several key questions on the minds of some voters, and inquired about the candidates’ stance on several issues facing the electorate.
“I’m running for Potsdam Town Supervisor because I believe that Town Hall needs a fresh perspective and a community-centric approach,” Fawkner said.
“If elected, I’ll focus on town-wide strategic economic development and proactive efforts to bring businesses to the region that community members need such as veterinarians for our animals, enhanced childcare and health and wellness services for our families, businesses that the community needs for services and jobs. I’ll work toward one vision for community and economic development and sustainable growth for Potsdam.”
Fawkner said she has observed tension and a lack of collaboration between town and village governments and believes the community must vote to “re-set” local municipal leadership to achieve progress.
“I was also motivated to become a public servant for the Town of Potsdam because I’ve learned that our Town government isn’t serving all community members fairly,” she said. “For instance, I spoke with residents this week about their neighbor burning down his barn which had asbestos shingles and lead paint. The residents endured hazardous smoke plumes of burning asbestos particles filling the air for four days. The Town ignored the hazmat situation and disregarded…
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