To the editor:

Republican Mayor John Giles has written an op-ed piece July 29, 2024. “Why, as a Republican mayor, I support Kamala Harris over Trump.” This is an article that every voter in NY-21 and beyond should read. Mayor Giles starts out his piece by saying:

“Our party used to stand for the belief that every Arizonan, no matter their background or circumstances, should have the freedom, opportunity and security to live out their American Dream. But since Donald Trump refused to accept the outcome of the 2020 election, Republicans have yet to course correct. The Republican Party with Trump at its helm continues down the path of political extremism, away from focusing on our fundamental freedoms.”

Giles has been mayor of Mesa, Arizona since 2014. It appears that Mesa is about three hours from the border. This is what he has to say about the Trump’s efforts to deal with border issues:

“Significant reforms to immigration and border policies that would have addressed the crisis at our southern border were blocked by Trump because he didn’t want the problem solved. He wanted to exploit it for personal political gain.”

Giles concludes by saying:

“It will take Arizona Republicans, independents and Democrats standing together against a far-right agenda. Let us put country over party by voting to stop Trump and protect our democracy.”

The full op-ed can be read at: https://tinyurl.com/my3y66du.

Linda Friedman Ramirez

Saranac Lake

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CORRECTION: An earlier version of this letter included an incorrect publication date for the op-ed piece written by Mayor John Giles.