To the Editor:

We live in complicated times. Between a shaky economic recovery, government programs approaching insolvency and unrest in the Middle East, we need leaders both here in the North Country and in Washington who understand the challenges we face and are willing and able to confront them head-on.

Next month, we have the opportunity to elect such a person to represent the North Country in Congress: Elise Stefanik.

Since she got in the race more than a year ago, Elise has been talking about her ideas to improve our region and address some of the biggest issues facing the country. She knows that we need to keep Social Security and Medicare as they are for anybody currently retired or about to retire, but that they need to be modified if future generations are going to benefit from them.

A native Upstate New Yorker, Elise knows that farmers here need an agriculture policy that acknowledges the realities of food production and consumption.

As I have observed and known Elise over the last year she has demonstrated a desire to be a part of the solution to the challenges that our country has to deal with. Her background in family owned and small business and public policy experience will position her well to serve the residents 21st congressional district.

Further I believe she will help inspire the next generation to become more involved to be a part dealing the condition our government is in because they truly are going to have to bear the burden of the excessive government debt, national economic conditions, as well as the economy of our region. She will work for solutions that are reasonable for all with common sense.

She is very willing to listen and has met with many in the past year. I truly believe she is the best person to be our next Member of Congress.

In short, Elise Stefanik has the knowledge, experience, and courage to propose bold new policy ideas and bring them to reality, so I hope you can join me in voting for her on November 4th.

Donald Gruneisen

Potsdam