To the editor:

George Bryjak, in his letter to the editor of Jan. 19, tries to ascribe our congresswoman, Elise Stefanik, as a sycophant. He rants on and on about various attributes of a sycophant and includes other Republicans he also ascribes as sycophants. What George does not understand is the true meaning of loyalty. “A truly loyal person is always sincere. They show very subtle, yet powerful signs that they care. You’ll find that they are faithful in a way that they show up during the good times and the bad times. Loyal people are supportive for no other reason than that they care.”

Stephanie Gubelin, in her letter to the editor of Jan. 19, has rambled all over the place, trying to discredit Elise Stefanik, but without any focus on intelligent commentary. Her letter is so inconsistent and unconnected to anything in reality that it is not possible to rebut.

Elise Stefanik has demonstrated her true loyalty to her NY-21 constituency, her country and to President Trump. The real cowards, George, are those who have “cut and run” during this difficult time. They, like you, find that political expediency is a far better trait than that of true loyalty. George, and maybe even Stephanie, let’s see you castigate the real cowards in our midst such as Nancy Pelosi, whose behavior and political posturing during President Trump’s State of the Union was truly despicable, and certainly not aimed at building unity in the nation. And George, let’s not forget sitting U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer, who threatened two United States Supreme Court justices. Is that unity building for America? Where were you then, George, with any criticism toward these irresponsible legislators?

Elise Stefanik deserves the credit she has received from the overwhelming majority who reelected her. Elise has demonstrated true loyalty with her significant, recognized, bipartisan work in Congress. Elise Stefanik, demonstrating true loyalty, has spent six years crisscrossing NY-21. She has brought forth, in a bipartisan manner, multi-millions of dollars in grants supporting health care — ensuring our citizens will have needed health care coverage, supporting our military. Elise has long-standing support for Fort Drum and the soldiers and families stationed there. She has worked tirelessly supporting our veterans, farming and tourism, and the preservation of our precious environment for clean air and water. Her work to maintain the important relationship with our Canadian neighbors is beyond reproach.

Elise Stefanik has been a strong advocate for her NY-21 constituency. This is why, George and Stephanie, she won her fourth two-year term in office by a whopping margin of more than 17%.

Elise Stefanik has demonstrated excellence representing our NY-21 Congressional District for the benefit of all Americans and not for power and prestige. There is no doubt that she will continue to represent all of us in the 21st Congressional District, and to continue her excellent leadership, so important in upholding the principles of true loyalty.

Keith Wells

Saranac Lake