Riley has shown willingness to tackle tough challenges in Albion

Editor:

Tomorrow the village of Albion will vote for a new mayor and two trustees. I hope this election is decided by more than the approximately 200 to 400 people who always vote in each election. Some thoughts on the candidates:

Some say they have past experience on the board, however, previous administrations did a very poor job of planning for the future. They seemed to concentrate only on keeping the tax rate under the tax cap. This led to poor budget planning and no planning for future needs.  We now find ourselves faced with higher water/sewer rates because of this lack of foresight. Kicking the can down the road does not help the village prepare for the future.

This lack of planning also led to the issue with the Albion police department. The correction attempted by the new board was not a “defund the police” issue but an issue of incorrect pay accounting by a previous administration. See Orleans Hub, July 18, 2022 article for complete explanation.

Now the two candidates for mayor, as well as the trustees, must contend with increasing the tax rate to bring the village back to a budget that includes planning for the future in a responsible, proactive manner.

Joyce Riley is the kind of mayor that Albion needs to get this job done. Joyce is not afraid of doing what is right and best for the village and its residents. She is not afraid to speak her mind on issues. The people of this village needs someone who is honest, straightforward and willing to do the hard work it will take to bring Albion back to the vital, vibrant community it once was.

Please vote for Joyce Riley for mayor and let her continue her good works for Albion.  Remember to get out and vote tomorrow, March 18th, from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Albion Village Hall, 35-37 Main St.

Sandra Walter

Albion