Saranac Lake Officials Indicted, Shortage of Caucus Candidates Seen
Saranac Lake—A scarcity of candidates is expected to exist Tuesday night when Democrats and Republicans- caucus to name two nominees, to succeed Sol Drutz and Jay T. Stickney on the village board. The indictment of Mayor Thomas P. Ward and all village trustees with Village Manager Johnson by the Franklin County grand jury has cleared the decks of persons who might have sought office. The indictments charge illegal appropriation of funds for use of a car.
The immediate effect of the indictments was a strong statement from Trustee Sol Drutz that he would not be a candidate to succeed himself. Trustee Stickney reiterated his determination to withdraw from village politics.
"I would be utterly unfair to myself and to my personal business," Drutz said Sunday, "if I remained as a candidate. I have worked honestly and sincerely for the village and. I see no reason to further subject myself to legal and public censure."
Drutz is serving his second term as trustee.
Statements concerning their legal difficulties were not forthcoming from Mayor Ward or the remaining indicted officials on Sunday.
When, questioned on their plans for a common defense, all of the officials, were mum. Mayor Ward said he had not discussed the case with the board members and no action had been taken as yet. William Herron of Malone is representing Trustee Louis Kendall and from all indications he will remain in the case as counsel for Kendall. The two are personal friends and Mr. Herron has long been Mr. Kendall's legal adviser.
Sentiment in the village seemed favorable to the indicted officials, a poll of prominent residents and important business men revealed, yew persons, however, cared to make a public statement either in the interest of the officials or in favor of the indictment. It is believed that the two caucuses will give the officials a vote of confidence at their meetings Tuesday night.
Until the middle of Saturday afternoon, sentiment in the village was overwhelmingly of the opinion that no indictment would be returned. When the report was not forthcoming at 5 p.m. rumors flew thick and fast. It was claimed that the entire board had been indicted and the number of counts ran from one to 50. The rumored charges were equally extensive. When the true report reached here, amazement was expressed on all sides.
Each of the indicted officials enjoys a high standing in the community. Mayor Ward, in addition to his public office, is president of the general hospital, president of the chamber of commerce and president of numerous other groups. He is also associated with various fraternal and service clubs: Trustee A. W. Currier is executive officer and director of the Saranac Lake Savings and Loan association and director of the Adirondack National Bank and "treasurer of the Saranac Lake Study and Craft guild.
Mr. Kendall is the former Franklin county commander of the American Legion, a native of this village and son of Frank E. Kendall, founder and president of the Saranac Lake National bank that was merged with the Adirondack National bank two years ago.
Mr. Stickney is the son of C. J. Stickney, dean of the Harrietstown board. He has been high in the councils of the Republican party.
Mr. Drutz is also associated with many organizations. He is an officer of the Saranac Lake Jewish Community center.
Village Manager Johnson has been employed in that capacity for six years. He was assistant to former Village Manager Wayne E. Timmerman for four years.
