Editorial: Waddington's Future
Last night's narrow victory in favor of a housing development on Leishman Point should not
be interpreted as a major victory for anyone involved in the debate over Waddington's
future. The town board won a narrow victory by a 25 vote margin in favor of their plan.
But with over half the town's registered voters turning out for a special referendum that
ended in a 389 yes to 364 no vote, it appears Waddington's residents are sharply divided
over the best approach for their community's future. Town board members would be well
advised to listen to those who have been arguing that the town needs to involve more
residents in planning for the future of the town.
Members of Waddington Redevelopment Association should take heart from the vote that their
efforts are being noticed and supported by a large part of the community. From our
conversations with people in Waddington, we think that even many of those who voted to
approve development on Leishman Point still appreciate and support many of the goals and
efforts by the WRA.
We believe Waddington is lucky to have so many of its residents so interested in the
community's future. The trick now is for those who are elected in November to find ways to
harness it's best and brightest citizens to get involved in making their community better.
We think the first place to start is for all sides to accept the will of the majority as
shown by the referendum. The next step is for the town board and the village board to find
ways to get more people involved in helping the community.
Originally published 10/15/2003
Ogdensburg Journal
Used with permission