To the Editor:

How can we really have confidence in political claims for the future?

As a nineteen-year-old, I have watched candidates from both parties line up to talk about representation. I’ve heard the occasional empty promise and seen gestures that accomplish little.

Promises alone don’t build businesses, strengthen communities, or give young people a reason to stay in New York. At some point, we have to look beyond what candidates say and ask what they’ve actually accomplished.

Anthony Constantino has demonstrated success in building a prosperous business, managing people, and creating value. As the co-founder of a sticker company, he understands how to build something from the ground up, turn an idea into a reality, and overcome challenges.

That’s something that farmers and small-business owners can give a massive stamp of approval for, and that’s something that the younger generation can get excited about as they consider their future here. Ultimately, these are a set of useful skills that can be transferred to Washington in an impactful way.

Blake Gendebien is running with the backing of Kathy Hochul, whose approach toward regulation, energy costs, and small-business growth hasn’t been effective. Gendebien’s campaign does not suggest a different strategy to these problems. This doesn’t excite me for the future.

New York should be more than a place people visit or feel they have to leave. It should be a place to build a life. Constantino has a proven track record of building something here, and I have confidence he’ll do it again in our district.

Our district deserves someone focused on opportunity, results, and the future of our communities. That’s why I’m supporting Anthony Constantino, and I encourage others to take a closer look at what he can bring to Congress as our Representative.

Asher Ockrin
Potsdam