Speak up

Only one of the candidates running for New York's 23rd Congressional District seat has a long track record in elective office.

That person is Dierdre K. Scozzafava, who was elected a member of Assembly in 1998 and returned to that office by voters five times since. Before that, she served as mayor of the village of Gouverneur for five years and village trustee for four years before that.

No one stays in such offices for long without responding to their constituents' needs and heeding their concerns. Assemblywoman Scozzafava has done that faithfully.

She has consistently demonstrated leadership in the area of women's issues. In 2005-06, she traveled throughout New York state as head of an Assembly task force seeking ways to better protect women and children from domestic violence and sexual abuse.

Holding public hearings to consider what should be done to reduce sexual crimes, protect victims and punish offenders, Ms. Scozzafava gathered ideas that raised public awareness of these issues and led to legislation.

Better tracking of sexual predators, civil confinement of sex offenders who have completed their prison sentences and tougher penalties under Megan's Law have resulted.

The Republican assemblywoman has advocated measures that prohibit sex offenders from living near schools or working with children. She has supported tougher punishments for such crimes and giving parents more legal rights to protect their children.

She has championed equal rights and opportunities for women. She has looked for ways to reduce domestic violence and protect victims. She sought justice in the notorious Casablanca rape case.

Considering Dede Scozzafava's track record on such issues, why have women's groups and others who share her views not been more forthcoming with their support? Those who have benefited from her stands on domestic violence and victims' rights — or who share her convictions — need to stand up and be counted.

Voices from outside the district are attempting to define Assemblywoman Scozzafava without knowing her. Those whose causes she has advanced and concerns she has addressed need to acknowledge the work she has done.