Back in November 2010, there was an election. Our very knowledgeable and well-known senator, Darrel Aubertine, was defeated by someone named Patty Ritchie. Just like anyone else who supported a candidate who did not succeed, I was disappointed when my choice did not win.

However, I accepted the results of the election and assume this newcomer to state-level politics would be the “fresh” voice in Albany that she promised, I am not sure what has happened since she took office. I see photo opportunity after photo opportunity with Patty Ritchie standing, smiling and handing out generic quotes that are simple thoughts.

What legislation has she introduced in her tenure in office? Aside from her repeating the GOP mantra of “new taxes,” she really hasn’t done much except to be in on the final act of something that Mr. Aubertine had already set in motion. However, she seems to be everywhere getting her picture taken.

To date, more and more of the statements from her office come from her “spokesperson.” My reaction1at first was: Spokesperson, at this level? At this stage of the game? What is going on? All superficial fluff and no substance. Jim Reagan this and Jim Reagan that.

So, who is this Jim Reagan? To my recollection, he was not on the ballot. So what is going on? Is my new senator so inarticulate, so poorly informed and so incapable that she cannot speak for herself and present her own thoughts?

Thank goodness there is such a short term of office for this position. I hope there is going to be an opportunity to elect someone to this office who can be a true and vocal representative for this district.

Maybe Jim Reagan. Could this be the new GOP strategy? He now has the name recognition, and the general public might just assume this new election cycle is really just a re-election of Jim Reagan, our current “ringer” for senator.

Barbara Burdick

Watertown

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