To the Editor:

By now, you may have heard there is a new face running for the State Assembly 116th District, named Susan Duffy. This new face to you, is a Mother to me. She is also a Grandmother, business owner and North Country native. I would like to share with you what she means to those who know her best.

As a Mother, she made our childhood magical. We had very little growing up, but we would never had known that. As she struggled as a single mom with three kids, she somehow never let us see that. She was the mom who through her tough times, made memories for us to last a lifetime. From building skating rinks in our backyard, to sending us on scavenger hunts for presents to make our modest Christmases so memorable.

We didn’t know she was buying her clothes at the Good Will or often getting us food at the local Food Pantry. We watched her grow and work so hard well into our teenage years. It was then she made a choice to start her own business, with the hopes she could one day take care of her family without the constant struggle.

She was always a natural saleswoman, but she would have to learn how to start and run a small business all on her own. I remember how proud she was when she created her own business plan to present to the Small Business Association for the funds to begin. I also remember how scary that was for her, as I can imagine it would be for anyone who takes that big risk, with no assurance of success. Susan never goes into anything to fail and I know that her work ethic and drive to succeed has made her company what it is today. I also know that it has changed all of our lives indefinitely.

As a grandmother, she has a special bond with each of her grandkids. With my children, she is constantly engaging with them about world issues and encourages them to get involved in any way they can. I remember a Christmas in particular she took my three children to Walmart and let them each fill a cart full of toys, jackets and mittens to donate to children in need. What an impression this left on them and what an example of the kind of person Susan is. She has a giving heart and leads by example.

As an Employer, Susan has created a family first work environment, allowing her employees a flexible schedule so they never miss out on things at home. Over the years, I have watched her comfort and support her employees through tough times. People who work for Susan know she would do anything to help anyone and she lets them know regularly how grateful she is for them all.

When I heard she wanted to run for Assembly, I was apprehensive because I was afraid it would take too much time away from her family. However, I have watched her over the last month absolutely pour her heart into her campaign and the people of our district and I have never been so proud. She genuinely cares for people and wants to be a voice to those who need her. So not only will we proudly share her with you all, we will also be by her side every step of the way. Please get out on June 28th and allow Susan the opportunity to be the voice for you!

Nicole Thompson
Waddington