To the editor:

As many readers know, Swan Lake lost a beloved lifelong member of our community, Ira Zolchonock, on May 19.

There are many circumstances surrounding this tragedy, but code enforcement is one of the issues that needs to be addressed in order to promote public safety. Liberty only has one code enforcement /building inspector and one clerk (as opposed to Fallsburg, which has five inspectors and two clerks).

Although the present inspector and clerk are very hardworking, many things have gone by the wayside for many years due to a lack of capacity.

We have worked very hard to beautify Swan Lake. However, some sections of the hamlet have not improved in any way, shape or form, with buildings condemned but not taken down and others in very poor repair. Other violations of the town code - on noise for example - are not being enforced.

Our town supervisor, Frank De Mayo, and the rest of the Liberty town board are aware of the situation and they are working on solutions, however, concrete action is needed now. We should be able to drive through without seeing police cars at the same place every day.

Those of us who knew Ira and loved him are heartbroken. Let his premature death not be in vain. If we all come together we can make Swan Lake a safer, more beautiful place to live. Let that be a part of his legacy.