To the Editor:

Our country is facing many challenges at home and abroad: a weak economy, sluggish job growth, increasing healthcare costs, out-of-control government agencies such as the EPA, IRS, NSA, and VA, a budget deficit approaching $18 trillion, a possible Ebola outbreak, a growing threat of terrorism from groups such as ISIS, and a sense that global respect for the U.S. is diminishing.

The November 4 general election is less than a month away and we voters need to decide if we want to elect candidates who will continue the policy path we are currently on or elect candidates who will take us down a different path.

Choosing a qualified congressional candidate who understands these issues, is honest, is able to work with and communicate effectively with those from opposing parties while still maintaining the integrity of their core principles, and who will work to replace those policies that are not working is of prime importance to me. I believe that person is Elise Stefanik.

I have had the opportunity to listen to and observe Elise interact with a variety of groups at least half a dozen times since November 2013. Each time, she offered the audience an opportunity to ask her any political, professional, or personal question they wished. She never once tried to spin an answer or evade a question. Personally, I found her willingness to open herself up to uncensored questioning very refreshing.

Elise is conversant on the national issues as well as the issues facing the 21st Congressional District. Having grown up in a small business family Elise understands how federal regulations and mandates harm small businesses and will fight to reduce those regulations. She is honest, intelligent, confident and energetic. She will approach issues facing the 21st Congressional District and the country with a positive spirit and a willingness to work across the aisle while maintaining her core principles.

Elise believes that her generation cannot just complain about the challenges facing our country, her generation also needs to help solve those problems for all of us.

Please vote Nov. 4 for Elise Stefanik to become the first woman to represent the 21st Congressional District.

Nancy W. Foster

Louisville