There are now two candidates running for the Lansing Office of Town Clerk and there may be additional candidates in the future. I appreciate their willingness to run for public office and risk public scrutiny of their values.

One important duty of the town clerk is to issue marriage licenses. In September 2011, the town clerk of Ledyard refused to sign a same-sex marriage license citing her religious beliefs and arranged for a deputy to issue the license.

This issue should not  emerge in Lansing. The candidates for the Lansing town clerk position should inform the voters about how they will perform their duties when a gay/lesbian couple requests a marriage license.

Thank you for publishing this letter.

Sincerely,

Gregory Lawrence
Lansing, NY
v12i29