To the Editor:

Massachusetts Congressman coined a phrase that has been used over and over for years. Former Speaker of the House, Representative Thomas “Tip” O’Neill said adroitly “All Politics is local.” In the North Country’s 21st Congressional District, O’Neill’s words are no less true.

Elise Stefanik is again asking for your vote. She asks you send her back to a legislative body where the national approval rating varies between 8 and 10 percent. Ms. Stefanik would have you believe she was somehow not a part of this dysfunctional body. She is so certain of re-election that she continues to endorse and confess her vote for Donald Trump.

Trump made disparaging remarks regarding Senator J. McCain being captured and that did not move her. Trump mocked a news reporter while mimicking his physical condition, Elise said nothing. Trump attacked Muslim parents whose son was killed in Iraq, she said Trump was wrong but repeated her support.

In the most recent Trump revelation regarding lewd remarks about women, Elise said he was wrong. That’s it. She continues on the Trump bandwagon and is certain that nothing Trump says will matter. She bets on re-election even as she continues to endorse Donald Trump. I bet she is wrong.

Retired Army Colonel Mike Derrick is the Democratic Candidate for the NY-21st Congressional District. He is actually a North County native and a West Point graduate. He has commanded a 1st Armored Division infantry company in Desert Storm.

Mike has earned two masters degrees and upon leaving the Army, advised the State Department on international missile defense issues. Col. Derrick speaks French fluently which will be exceptionally valuable when working on cross border issues with our neighbors in Quebec.

Yet this intelligent and sensitive man knows and understands the trials and tribulations of dairy farmers, self-employed contractors, struggling middle class families and seniors throughout our district.

I urge you to vote for Mike this November and return integrity and independent representation to our district.

Roland Lauther

Madrid