To the Editor:
Re “20 Questions with Claire Cousin” (front page, May 10):
This June, for the first time in over a decade, Pine Plains has the opportunity to decide what kind of Democrat we want in the state assembly. For the sake of our climate and communities, let’s elect Claire Cousin as our next assemblymember.
As a farmer and resource provider at a local community center, the people I work with express disillusionment with a party that recruits wealthy donors and second home owners. Canvassing for Claire, I’m heartened by the wide base she’s mobilized across the district. Claire is also avoiding the financial influence of fossil fuel companies, real estate and lobbyists. In this paper, Barrett admitted she cannot say the same.
Folks care as much about who our representatives listen to as what they’re saying. Claire has already shown that she’s listening to working people. She’s advocated for climate solutions that allow all of us to thrive. She’s invested in making sure we all have health and child care, fair wages, and affordable homes. While I appreciate Didi’s tenure and support for local organizations, we need someone with relevant lived experience and new ideas to support vibrant rural communities. Only one candidate in this race fits that description. It’s Claire.
Jordan Schmidt
Pine Plains, N.Y.