To the editor:

I’ve observed our current congresswoman in NY-21 disingenuously bob, weave, smile, hide and otherwise skew and obfuscate the truth for far too long. She has done this while blatantly voting against her constituents’ best interest on important and even life-saving issues such as health care and the environment while simultaneously pandering to her power base in D.C. She listens (selectively), but she does not appear to hear.

Fortunately we have a strong group of Democrats vying to unseat Ms. Stefanik. I’ve had the pleasure of attending several candidate forums and events over the course of many months. Most recently, I enjoyed a lively give and take at a forum hosted by Indivisible Lowville in Lewis County. I could support any of these sincere and engaged candidates, with the possible exception of opportunistic latecomer Dylan Ratigan.

Having said that, I fervently believe that only one candidate has the integrity, finesse, experience, work ethic and insight to unseat an incumbent enriched by coffers overflowing with outside money and influence. Tedra Cobb’s transparent and empathetic approach has inspired a grassroots effort consisting of thousands of NY-21 voters weary of the gloomy status quo. For this reason I believe that Tedra is uniquely positioned to run a strong race to unseat Ms. Stefanik in November.

Please join me in voting for Tedra Cobb in the June 26 Democratic primary … and again in the general election on Nov. 6. Rest assured that she will not hide from her constituents or muddy the issues. Tedra will not underestimate us and will always advocate, legislate and vote in our best interest.

Matthew D. Carney

Natural Bridge