In response to “Stefanik Owes Her Constituents Answers” which appeared in the Nov. 30-Dec. 6 issue of North Country This Week: The current local democrat party officers, Mark Bellardini, chair; Mike Zagrobelny, vice chair; and Jennie Bacon, corresponding secretary, demand that Congresswoman Elise Stefanik provide answers to the press. Curiously, the second vice chair and county legislator Nance Arquiett’s signature is not included.

The letter is emblematic of the type of political leadership that exists in today’s society unfortunately. The letter uses the following derogatory terms and adjectives while describing our Congresswoman; self-serving, a distraction from the truth, embarrassing, petty and immature petulance, tantrum and my personal favorite...”impish tirade “. I seriously doubt that anyone reading this letter who was neutral or new to politics would be convinced of the merits of the SLC Democrat Committee’s slanderous accusations. One should be able to disagree without being disagreeable.

Hilariously, the letter portrays Adam Schiff as a hero in the pursuit of the truth. It is well known that Schiff’s staff worked with the “whistle blower” back in July while the Mueller Report, which you don’t hear about any more, was turning into a big dud. Schiff is not a fan of Elise as Ms. Stefanik is the congresswoman who exposed the “Chair of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence” staff’s collaboration and coordination with the “whistle blower”. Mr. Schiff was busted.

The letter would you have you believe that Elise violated her oath of office without mentioning what the oath is. The first line of the oath is to “solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States”. The authors fail to articulate any violation of oath. Everyone in America is entitled to due process, including President Trump. Elise’s pinpoint questioning of Tim Morrison, Senior National Security Council; and Kurt Volker, former U.S. Special Envoy to Ukraine, gets to the bottom line. “No mention of withholding aid”, no quid pro quo, no bribery, no extortion and no evidence of treason? “That is correct”, state both Volker and Morrison to all of Elise’s questions.

Next the authors amazingly posit a conspiracy theory regarding Congresswoman Stefanik’s involvement in these hearings, equating her actions as a possible quid pro quo similar to imprisoned former Illinois Democrat Governor Rod Blagojevich’s attempt to bribe and acquire Present-elect Obama’s vacant Senate seat. This is a really sad and disgraceful partisan attempt to destroy a young woman.

Obviously, Elise Stefanik is feared by the Democrats. She is highly ranked as one of the most bipartisan member of Congress. She frequently chastises President Trump for his actions and words. She is active in attempting to working out bipartisan solutions to immigration and climate change. Elise has been a leader in support of our military and instrumental to improving care for our veterans. The 10th Mountain could not have a stronger advocate.

I expect that Elise Stefanik’s strong and highly acclaimed involvement in these hearings will encourage many young women across America to become leaders in their communities and provide future public service in our local, state and national matters. Great job Elise!

Kevin Acres

St. Lawrence County legislator