June isn’t only month to celebrate pride
Every year in June the rainbow flags fly high, store windows are filled with pride merchandise and companies change their logos to include pride flags. However, at New Choices, we know pride is not only in June. We stand with pride as members of the LGBTQIA+ community, as allies, and as professionals dedicated to bridging gaps in service and ensuring equitable care for all every single day of the year. Here we wear our identity as members of the queer community and as allies just as outwardly in November as we do in June. We encourage you to respect people’s pronouns, to stand up for injustices, and to reach out if you or someone you know needs help with substance misuse. We are here to help all month, every month no matter who you are or how you identify. Call us at 518-280-9895.
DAKOTA TORALES MAXWELL
Schenectady
The writer is a prevention coordinator at the New Choices Recovery Center.
You’ve got a friend in Sen. Jim Tedisco
To quote the Carole King song, “You’ve Got a Friend,” when it comes to Sen. Jim Tedisco, “winter, spring, summer or fall, all you have to do is call” and he’ll be there to help.
While I now live in Stillwater, I grew up in Niskayuna, as did my parents, and we all graduated from Niskayuna High School. We’ve all been aware of Jim Tedisco’s stellar representation for many years. Jim Tedisco was always there to support our school and students, whether it was fighting to get our fair share of state school aid, inviting classes to tour the state Capitol or sending a handwritten note of encouragement to students who excelled academically or athletically.
My family owned Hermie’s Music Store in Schenectady for many years, and we saw first-hand how strong a supporter he was of our small businesses. I’ll never forget how back in 2017, Jim went to my great-aunt’s wake, who was 101 when she passed. I’m not sure how well Jim Tedisco knew her, but he was there for us.
On Aug. 23 for the Republican primary, let’s be there for Sen. Jim Tedisco and elect him for the 44th Senate District.
JENNIFER KNISKERN WEAVER
Stillwater
Proud to support Assemblyman Santabarbara
My family has a long history in Amsterdam dating back to when my great-grandparents opened Lanzi’s Annex Italian Restaurant on Bridge Street in 1920. We’re proud to continue our family’s business on the south side, and I’m very proud to call Angelo Santabarbara my friend. I have seen first-hand how dedicated he is to helping our community succeed. For him there’s nothing too big and nothing too small, he’s always there to help out. He’s been a leading force in getting Amsterdam on the path to revitalization and continues to deliver for both the residents and businesses here.
Angelo is unlike any other politician I’ve ever known. He’s all about helping people and he knows the needs of our community because he shows up and takes the time to talk to the people he represents. That’s why we need to support Angelo Santabarbara in the upcoming primary election on June 28. With this year’s redistricting process, the city of Amsterdam has been put into new Congressional and State Senate Districts, but I’m thankful that Amsterdam will still have Angelo Santabarbara to vote for in the State Assembly. Mark your calendar and get out and vote.
GAETANO LANZI
Amsterdam
Rules for commenting:
The Gazette will not tolerate name-calling; profanity, threats; accusations of racism, mental illness or intoxication; spreading of false or misleading information; libel or other inappropriate language in any form, and readers may not make any such comments about or directly to specific individuals.
Readers who violate the policy will be warned and then banned.
Categories: Letters to the Editor, Opinion
