It’s time for our representatives to stand up to special interests

As a former Republican town chairman, I find it very curious when Republicans fail to identify themselves as Republicans in their campaign literature. It’s as if they are ashamed of their party and the principles it stands for. When politicians can’t take a stand on their own party identity, how can we expect them to stand up for the interests of their constituents?

New York state is in dire need of leaders who are not afraid to stand up to the party bosses and special interests in Albany. We need leaders who are running not to further their own careers but to make a real difference and are in it for the best interests of their constituents. Albany has enough lawyers who are too quick and willing to fall in line and negotiate. Instead of standing up and saying “No!”, New York state falls deeper into debt, taxes rise, business is regulated out of business, and our sons and daughters leave the state looking for employment elsewhere. The only ones who have consistently benefited each and every year are the special interests. God forbid if anyone has the nerve to stand up to the unions.

That is why I am supporting Chris Laing in his primary for state Assembly. I have personally known Chris for more than 12 years and not only has he proven himself to be an effective leader, he has consistently stood squarely on his Republican principles. As a small businessman and community leader, Chris knows how upstaters are being strangled by high New York state fuel taxes that picks our pockets and takes the food off our tables. While the government profits, we suffer while nobody in Albany has the backbone to stand up for us. We don’t need another “negotiator” or “consensus builder” in Albany, we need a fighter.

Republican voters in the 112th Assembly District have a unique opportunity to elect a leader, not a politician. I urge my fellow Republicans to carefully consider what is at stake as our state continues to tax and spend itself into oblivion. A vote for Chris Laing is a vote against [Speaker] Shelly Silver and the special interests that currently rule Albany.

John Farfaglia

Wilton

The writer is the former Northumberland Republican chairman and former Wilton Republican committeeman.

Country doesn’t need more of the same old politics

How can we elect as president John McCain, a man who isn’t in touch with the the majority of Americans? He defines a rich person as making $5 million a year.

He thinks the fundamentals of our economy are strong. McCain believes in George Bush’s economic plan. How can we elect a person who believes that Big Oil needs more tax breaks. They have made record profits and he wants to give them more money. To me this just seems like a “no brainer.” I’m not an economist, but I do run a household. It’s harder for me to meet my bills on the same salary but much higher prices all around, and we want to give Big Oil more money.

I say, “No way.” That means no way to McCain.

Kim Mahar

Albany