Also, Supervisor Derek Doty (Democratic and Common Sense), Town Clerk/Tax Collector Laurie Dudley (Republican) and Highway Superintendent Kenneth Porter (Republican) are running unopposed for reelection.

The Lake Placid News sent questionnaires to candidates running in the contested race. Below is the response for Emily Kilburn Politi.

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Emily Kilburn Politi

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Age: 43

Occupation: Town councilor, volunteer, mom

Position sought: Town councilor

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Q: Why are you running for this position?

A: I would like to continue working on the projects that are not yet complete, including: the update to the Comprehensive Plan, which will most likely lead to an update to our land use code; master plan for the show grounds/athletic fields; child care task force; Wesvalley sidewalk project; and the transition of a major leadership position within the North Elba Park District. And who knows what other exciting projects will pop up?

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Q: What are your qualifications?

A: My educational background is in political science with a master of public administration degree.

My professional background is in the land use code and housing nonprofits. I have served on the town board for four years. I serve on nonprofit boards and committees that work to serve the North Elba region and keep me connected to the needs of the greater community.

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Q: What are your main goals?

A: I listed the major ones above. Based on the questions that the Lake Placid News and Adirondack Daily Enterprise asked at the Oct. 16 candidate forum (and sourced through the public), I would add the need to engage youth and engage community. I love the idea of being involved in the school district through Community Schools. As for community engagement, I hope we get suburb public participation in the Comprehensive Plan process and that conversation continues to move forward.

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Q: What do you think are the three biggest problems in the town, and how do you propose solving them?

A: 1. Housing: the need for diversification of housing, increasing housing supply at all levels. Solution: Keep doing what we are doing, we have made progress. Task our community development director and economic development director to pursue all options. Provide in-kind services where appropriate. Have data on where our infrastructure can handle increased usage, identify the gaps and the funding sources (public/private) to bring it up to the needed standards.

2. Staying within our 2% tax cap and still being able to maintain/expand our services AND pay our employees an appropriate wage AND build our staff to a professional level. Solution: continue to pursue additional sources of revenue and identify cost-saving measures.

3. Increase in drug use and drug trafficking. Solution: This one is so tough for me because it’s outside of my knowledge base. What I can offer is that I’m willing to have conversations, I’m willing to listen and I am willing to admit it is a major problem in our area.

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Q: Other comments to voters?

A: We have had many great accomplishments in the last four years, but there is more to do. I hope you will give me the opportunity to keep working toward our shared goals and to serve my community.