Letters to the Editor - September 25

Fair elections aren’t partisan

To the Editor:

The Supreme Court recently blocked an attempt by the Trump administration to restrict mail ballots, a welcome “check” on the executive branch. But I think it’s a mistake to think the courts alone will protect our elections. Our election system was built with safeguards designed to withstand pressure, and to me, one of the most important is us — “We the People.” It’s on all of us, regardless of party, to make sure the system holds.

Our country’s elections work because they’re run by state and local officials, a.k.a. our neighbors, across thousands of jurisdictions. As a member of Issue One’s Council for American Democracy, a cross-partisan group working to strengthen our institutions, I believe the courts have their role, but our responsibility as Americans should focus on three things this fall:

First, stand up for the people who run our elections and defend their independence. Call or write your local election official to tell them you have their back if they get threatened or intimidated by federal law enforcement.

Second, rebuild trust. Check election information before sharing it, and push back when you see false claims about voting or how elections work. People should be able to vote without fear or confusion and trust that their ballot will be counted according to the rules. Third, pitch in and support the people who run elections: volunteer as a poll worker, and ask your elected officials, from your state government to members of Congress, to provide the resources needed to keep our elections safe and secure.

Free and fair elections aren’t partisan — they’re how we, as Americans, choose who represents us. They’re a system worth protecting, together.

Margaret Downs

Bedford

Lawler has record of bipartisanship, lowering costs for Hudson Valley

To the Editor:

Since his election to the House in 2022, Mike Lawler has become one of the most bipartisan members, ranked No. 6 by Bridge Grades. He puts New Yorkers first, ahead of the Republican Party and even President Trump, as shown by insisting a restoration of the SALT deduction be part of last year’s One Big Beautiful Bill, which no Congressional Democrat supported. This legislation also eliminated taxes on tips and overtime, while shoring up Medicaid and SNAP by ensuring work requirements for the non-disabled are met, so these programs go to those truly in need. Mike supported income limits so these tax benefits don’t become giveaways to the rich.

Mike has been acting to address affordability. First, it’s important to reflect that under President Biden, inflation went up a total of 21% whereas since 2025, it’s slowed to just 5.5%. Here in New York, Democrat-controlled Albany has made energy more expensive by closing Indian Point, which supplied about 25% of downstate power. Since 2019, utility rates are up 70% in New York versus 40% nationally, and we pay 60% above the national average, per Empire Center. Mike has been clear shutting down this safe, clean, carbon-free power plant was an irresponsible decision that should be reversed with a new facility.

Mike’s steadfast support for Israel and the Jewish community is critical as ever, especially as antisemitic attacks are up 8% in New York in the past year. For perspective, Jews account for just 10% of New York’s population, while bearing the brunt of 55% of hate crimes in New York City.

On immigration, Mike has been unwavering in his support for lawful immigrants like the Haitian community while firm that fostering illegal immigration is dangerous, not just for those taken advantage of by traffickers but also the violent criminals who have snuck in.

In an era of increasing partisanship, Lawler has proven himself to be pragmatic, willing to reach across the aisle to achieve common goals that benefit the Hudson Valley. I hope you will join me in supporting him this November.

Alexander Goldfarb

Pound Ridge

Lawler enables Trump’s agenda

To the Editor:

President Trump has asked the upcoming election to be about him. OK, let me take a crack at that. Due to enablers like Mike Lawler in Congress, Trump has made a mess of things. It’s more important than ever to vote and to retire MAGA Mike Lawler.

Trump was allowed to put his name on the cherished national memorial to John F. Kennedy. Since then, receipts have fallen, and a once thriving venue is going to have a $100 million shortfall, directly related to the name change. I recently called Congressman Lawler’s office seeking a statement on the issue. His office did not have one, other than to say that Lawler last attended the Kennedy Center in December of 2025. Where are you on this, Congressman?

Trump went ahead and spent over $16 million to refurbish the Reflecting Pool in D.C. Public figures quoted were $1.5 million for the project. The issues stemmed from the no-bid contract for the renovation, not vandals. Another Trump lie. What did Lawler do about this? Nothing.

Lawler voted for Trump’s big, ugly bill which cut billions from SNAP, school lunch programs and Medicaid (health insurance for the poor and disabled).

On data centers, Lawler opposes Gov. Hochul’s one-year moratorium. He has not taken a position on the expansion of a data center in Rockland County. His opponent, Cait Conley, announced her position opposing the expansion in July.

Mike Lawler has voted with Trump nearly 100% of the time. He continues to either look the other way, or support the president’s agenda. Let’s make this election about Trump and his enabler, Mike Lawler. You have a choice. I’m voting for Cait Conley.

Len Martello

Bedford Hills 

Conley would best represent CD-17 communities

To the Editor:

We have a very important election on Nov. 3 in CD-17. This race should not be about Left versus Right, but about Right versus Wrong — and about what the policies supported by our representatives will mean for our community.

Mike Lawler says he is a moderate, but has voted predominantly with MAGA and has caused great damage to CD-17, especially his support and vote for the Big Beautiful Bill, most of which will not go into effect until 2027 AFTER we have voted. 

The Congressional Budget Office estimates that BBB will reduce projected Medicaid spending by $1.2 trillion and SNAP spending is projected to decrease by $211 billion through 2035. Medicaid changes include new eligibility, work, reporting and financing requirements that could affect millions.

I find it difficult to reconcile Lawler's vote with his statement that he was committed to “protecting Medicaid.” His office has emphasized his work on behalf of constituents and New York’s healthcare system, but voters deserve to consider the full picture. Additional major concerns about Lawler's positions include his support for military action involving Iran and his support for reopening Indian Point. These are consequential issues for the Hudson Valley that deserve serious public scrutiny.

And there is the advertised $4,000 “tax cut.” That figure refers in large part to changes involving the SALT deduction. Voters should ask themselves whether those tax savings are worth potential reductions in health and nutrition assistance. CBO's analysis found that the law’s effects on household resources vary substantially by income, with lower-income households generally seeing greater reductions in resources.

I encourage everyone in CD-17 to review Cait Conley’s background against Lawler’s voting record and you will realize that Conley can best represent our communities in Congress.

Maria Modica-Snow

Peekskill

Mike Lawler’s SALT charade

To the Editor:

A recent postcard promoting Congressman Mike Lawler will tell you that he “broke with his own party to raise the SALT cap to $40,000.” Sounds good, right? It’s also crap. Here’s why.

Donald Trump said in 2024 he would like to “get SALT back,” signaling support for scrapping the $10,000 limit on deducting state and local taxes (SALT) from federal income tax. The GOP-led Congress did as he asked. But remember, it was Republicans who created the deduction limit in 2017.  

It’s a little like the guy who kills his parents and then asks for mercy because he’s an orphan. 

Roger Savitt

Bedford Corners