Local representatives work very hard for us

On Saturday, March 6, our state legislators attended the Legislative Breakfast sponsored by the North Country Coordinating Council of Teachers. At this event, attendees have the opportunity to ask our state legislators about the state budget and other issues facing New York state and its local communities.

Assemblywoman Dede Scozzafava, Assemblywoman Addie Jenne Russell and Sen. Darrel Aubertine were in attendance. Each gave a realistic view of the lack of revenue for the state and the need for reprioritizing available funds for equitable distribution in various types of state assistance. As Assemblywoman Dede Scozzafava stated, cuts in education aid to districts downstate, although difficult, do not have the same impact as would cuts in the north country. North country children will suffer the consequences of severe cuts in education. It was evident that all three legislators are working very hard for their north country constituents to get a fair share of state aid for our schools.

Regardless of one's political party affiliation, there is no question these individuals are working together for us. I cannot help but commend each one on their ability to stay focused on the work at hand in spite of the media's capability to create and sensationalize all that is wrong with Albany and ignore the real work being done. Unfortunately, we hear very little about the daily work and accomplishments of the ones who are at their desk and meeting on a daily basis serving their constituents and dialoguing with other representatives to work out viable solutions for the well-being of the people. Let's face it, how many of us are willing to make the daily sacrifices these representatives make to help the rest of us. Let us not paint our representatives with the same brush as those who have misused their positions.

Cynthia Graham

Watertown