Letters to the Editor, June 12, 2026

Believe in Conley's qualifications

To the Editor: 

I’ve been a centrist Democrat my entire adult life, and I’m voting for Cait Conley in the Democratic primary for the Congressional seat for NY17. 

Cait graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point and served our country as a U.S. Army officer in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Unlike most of her primary opponents, Cait is not a career politician. 

The pathetic attempts by some of Cait’s primary opponents to smear her with accusations that she has worked for defense contractors on projects to track immigrants are pure sophistry, and sadly smack of desperation. I urge my fellow Democrats to vote for Cait Conley in the Democratic primary on June 23. 

Lou Sorell  Katonah

Congress needs Conley's expertise in science

To the Editor:

The Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government has reported on “Bridging Congress’ Science Technology Gap.”

From the Harvard-Kennedy School of Government again: “The lack of internal technical experts directly challenges Members of Congress trying to draft effective forward-looking tech policy. 

Because cyber threats and artificial intelligence evolve rapidly committees rely on specialized staff. Without enough in-house expertise, lawmakers face hurdles.” “Lawmakers work continuously to bridge the internal knowledge gap.”

I hope for a member of Congress capable on day one (because there is no more time to spare) to do the following: Question Elon Musk at a hearing as to how Russia was able to get access to, and use, his Starlink service against Ukraine at war. 

Question Dr. Mehmet Oz at a hearing about the contract for private major health insurance companies to approve, or deny, traditional government Medicare claims, using AI, artificial intelligence. 

And much more. 

We have a candidate running for Congress who would “bridge the internal knowledge gap.” Cait Conley holds a masters degree from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard. She worked with Congress as a senior national security official helping shape cybersecurity and critical infrastructure legislation. 

Cait — a lifetime public servant who lived for decades on a military wage. She understands Americans. She has spent a lifetime fighting for us.

Judith Sage Mount Kisco

We need Davidson for another 'reconstruction'

To the Editor:

Following the Civil War, the United States spent years reconstructing a nation torn apart by conflict. Now we need a second reconstruction — this time rebuilding a nation battered by Donald Trump and his allies. 

To be sure, the damage is widespread. His administration has hurt the economy with tariffs, voting rights with new restrictions, medical research with funding cuts, government agencies with staff firings, and so forth. Everything from international alliances to environmental protection has been seriously corroded.

Given her experience, community connections and record of service, Rockland County Legislator Beth Davidson is the best person to help turn things around. 

But first she needs to win the Democratic party primary on June 23. If America is truly to become great again, we must start by giving the House of Representatives back to the Democrats to control the excesses of the administration. And we can do our bit by choosing Beth Davidson to challenge Republican Mike Lawler in the general election. 

Roger Savitt Bedford Corners

Cait Conley 'will stand her ground'

To the Editor:

Our one single goal for the mid-terms is to beat Mike Lawler and flip the seat blue, so we have some curbs on Trump’s activities for the next two years. To do that, we must pick the best candidate in the June 23 Democratic Primary. 

That person, in my opinion, is Cait Conley. She is a military veteran, a West Point graduate, holds degrees from Harvard and MIT, and most importantly, is a tough fighter. 

She strongly understands that this national election will not be won by following the old playbook. She understands what Lawler and Trump will try in this campaign, and she is fully prepared to stand her ground and make sure she wins. 

Everything that the candidates say they will do when they win is great — but if you don’t win, you don’t get to do any of it. So let's just focus on one thing: Winning. Cait Conley can win. Vote for her on June 23.

Bobbe Stultz Katonah