Letters

Harckham Provides the Leadership Local Residents Look for in a Legislator

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As Election Day approaches, we face a clear choice between leadership that delivers real results for our communities and a candidate more interested in stirring up divisive, right-wing talking points. State Sen. Peter Harkham has consistently proven his commitment to the issues that truly matter to New Yorkers – better schools, protection of reproductive rights, clean water and air and a strong economy.

One area where Sen. Harkham has been most impressive has been his support for the New York Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), which enshrines protections for women’s access to reproductive health care. This amendment is a critical safeguard that ensures that women in our state – our mothers, wives, daughters and future generations of women – have the right to make decisions about their own health care without interference.

In addition to championing reproductive rights, Sen. Harkham has worked tirelessly to increase school funding, ensuring that students, teachers and parents have the resources they need to thrive. His commitment to protecting the environment has led to cleaner water, stronger regulations to combat climate change and the preservation of our natural resources. Throughout his tenure, he has listened to and worked for his constituents, supporting legislation that addresses the real needs of working families.

In contrast, his opponent Gina Arena focuses on radical right-wing distractions rather than addressing the issues that affect most people. Instead of presenting serious solutions for improving our schools or protecting our environment, Ms. Arena has made “boys who want to join girls’ sports” a central campaign issue. This tired MAGA rhetoric distracts from the real concerns of young women today.

As the father of a college-aged daughter, I have a sense of what young women really care about: access to quality education, reproductive health care and economic opportunities, among other things. Boys competing in girls’ sports isn’t even on the list.

Sen. Harkham has a record of real accomplishments that benefit all of us, especially in protecting women’s rights. Let’s stick with proven leadership and re-elect Peter Harkham.

Peter Cleary
Yorktown Heights

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