To the editor:

At this point in our political scenario, nationally and locally, what we most urgently need is leadership, at all levels, that we can trust and actually look up to. We have an opportunity to elect someone to our 21st Congressional District who will meet that need, and then some. I have known Tedra Cobb for over 30 years — worked with her professionally, in community efforts, in political endeavors — and I cannot think of a person I would trust more to do the right thing.

When I think of Tedra’s years as St. Lawrence County Legislator, two things come to mind: ethics and children. Tedra worked tirelessly to raise the level of ethics in county operations — not always a popular effort, but when principle is involved, Tedra does not back down. Children and education were always at the top of the list for Tedra: as legislator, community worker, in every aspect of her life. When funding for local public schools was in crisis a few years back, Tedra went to Albany in an effort to remedy the sorely lacking New York state formula for public school funding. In our current social/political environment, I cannot think of two more critical issues than ethics and education. A close third would be climate. Over the years of environmental and clean energy efforts in the North Country, Tedra has been right on the front line. When oil prices peaked in 2008-2009 and folks were in crisis to pay their fuel bills, Tedra helped organize a county-wide community effort to support folks in trouble and increase energy efficiency.

Whatever the need or problem in the North Country, Tedra steps up. We need a decision maker like Tedra in Congress now more than ever.

Klaus Proemm

Canton