Dear Editor:

As many Alna residents may know, we have had a vacant seat on our select board since early April, due to the resignation of our former first selectman.

After eight months, we are now in a position to fill that seat in an election to be held on Tuesday, December 14th. Also on the ballot is Article 4, which would make needed changes to our current municipal government: fully staggering the select board terms, delegating authority and responsibility more evenly among the members of the select board, and adjusting their stipends to be equal.

Ed Pentaleri is running unopposed for the open position. 

Ed moved to Alna with his wife Debra in 2016. He has been deeply involved in the community ever since.

In 2017, Alna’s select board nominated him for a Spirit of America award for volunteer work in creating the town’s then new website, and for his support in preserving Alna’s historic buildings.

He served a partial term on the select board in 2018/19. He has deep understanding of day-to-day business, as well as strong working relationships with  our town clerk, deputy clerk, treasurer, assessor, auditor, and current members of the select board. Ed has served on the board of the Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission since 2019, where he has represented the interests of Alna Citizens and developed strong relationships with community leaders from across Lincoln County.

Ed came to Alna with more than twelve years’ experience in municipal government in California and a professional background in science and engineering.

Whether or not Article 4 is adopted, Ed is prepared, if elected again, to continue serving on Alna’s select board for the full term that begins in March.  By temperament and experience, he is more than highly qualified for this role.  The citizens of Alna will be well served by adopting Article 4 and electing Ed Pentaleri to the select board on December 14.

Susan Marcus

Alna