To the editor:

There’s a story the public needs to hear. Since mid-July, the House of Representatives has been on recess. While this time is usually meant for members to be in their districts and available to constituents, many Republican representatives are instead hiding from the people they are supposed to serve.

The reason is clear: the so-called “Big Ugly Act,” legislation that slashes Medicaid, SNAP, and other programs that millions of Americans depend on. Rather than facing their voters and defending these cruel cuts, Republican representatives are ducking accountability.

Here in NY-21, Rep. Elise Stefanik has spent eight years refusing to hold a single open town hall. She has never stood face-to-face with the people she represents. Instead, her appearances are limited to fundraisers and staged events — where she is reliably met with crowds of protesters demanding answers. This month in Plattsburgh was no different. Residents loudly voiced their disapproval. Some call that rude. I call it democracy, plain and simple.

Elise Stefanik is a terrible representative. She has chosen blind loyalty to MAGA politics over the real needs of her district. Now she dreams of being governor of New York? Let’s be clear: her extremism, her refusal to listen, and her utter contempt for her own constituents are not welcome here.

We deserve leaders who respect the people they serve — not politicians who hide from them.

Regina Kekis

Rome