To the editor:

Our nephew and his family live in Essex County. They are active in the local community where their three children were born and raised.

During our many visits we have come to appreciate the value of a sharing economy, cooperative farms and neighbors helping each other. Life is not always easy in the North Country, but without government support for education, food subsidies and medical care, it would become impossible for some.

We met Tedra Cobb when she visited New York City earlier this year and were most impressed with her. It was clear that she understands the needs of the people of the North Country. She lives there, and she herself has struggled there. She identifies with them because she is one of them. We contributed to her campaign and were able to canvass for her in Saranac Lake with our teenage grandniece during the primary election.

We went to a dinner/fundraiser at the Grange in Essex for a volunteer fireman who had suffered an accident and needed help paying medical bills — a demonstration of neighbors helping neighbors, many of whom said they supported Tedra Cobb.

On behalf of our family and their neighbors, we are asking voters of the 21st District to please elect Tedra Cobb to Congress. They need her. We’re only sorry we can’t vote for her ourselves.

Sincerely,

Richard and Carol Van Deusen

New York City