To the Editor:

With mid-term elections looming, NY-21 has a choice to make – do we want meaningful change, or to keep chugging along on the same track to nowhere as the train derails time and again? Given the economic state of our nation’s finances and global standing under current leadership, can anyone believe continuing on the same path will lead to a different, and better, destination?

We look at two relatively similar candidates vying to lead our district – Blake Gendebien and Anthony Constantino. Both believe in securing our borders and implementing sensible immigration reform. Both support law enforcement efforts during the current immigration crackdown, though one would prefer to bring it more in line with the rule of law. Both aim to improve affordability and access to healthcare across the district, especially in the North Country where both are at crisis level.

One is a North Country farmer, uniquely positioned to understand the struggles specific to our corner of the state. He seems poised to fight for changes in Washington that would hold elected officials more accountable to their constituency and work schedule, a belief that our Representatives should match us in a five-day work week. I could list those goals here, but in the interest of word count, the reader can take the time to research Gendebien’s agenda another time.

The other is from Albany, out of touch with the needs of the North Country, and is endorsed by Trump. Considering the state of affordability, and arguably every other relevant economic metric, as well as frequent trade wars alienating every major ally, that’s not exactly a ringing endorsement. I didn’t even mention the latest, seemingly endless war in the Middle East, nor the swampy, wildly unqualified Administration.

If history is any indicator, that won’t be enough to stifle party loyalty. Being a Trump-endorsed Republican seems to be the only prerequisite for the job. The collective district seems content to let identity politics block any progress, more willing to erect barriers across any path forward, continuing to vote for people and policies that are of no benefit to us, the North Country in particular.

Maybe things can be different this time. Maybe the North Country can cast off identity politics and lead the charge in change for this great District. For all our sakes, this writer can only hope so.

Cameron Boprey
Canton