In many small New York communities, the phrase, “of the people, by the people, for the people,” from Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address takes on special significance.

Small governments in rural communities often don’t have the money, means, expertise or political clout to provide their citizens with the government they desire.

When an issue reaches what citizens consider a critical level that appears to go beyond the ability of their local government to solve, the people sometimes have to take the reins themselves.

That’s what some residents of Charlton are........

© The Leader Herald