I have voted in every election since I became of age. I am a proud female Hispanic Democrat, but more importantly I am an informed voter. I listen to debates, read extensively about candidates’ positions and voting records and check who contributes to candidates’ campaigns before I make a decision.
Being an informed voter is of paramount importance — especially in local elections, where the candidates’ positions affect voters directly. The 11th Senate District, predominately Democratic, has voted for state Sen. Frank Padavan (R−Bellerose) for the past 35 years. This has been accomplished without negative campaigns, intrusive phone calls or a myriad of mailings.
Constituents have voted for Padavan because he is dedicated, hardworking and not beholden to special interests groups. Padavan represents his constituents’ best interests, regardless if said interests are politically popular or not.
The counting of the 11th Senate District votes has taken a disproportionate amount of time. Now that the city Elections Board has voted to uphold, formalize and finalize the prior bipartisan ruling, declaring certain ballots invalid, City Councilman James Gennaro (D−Fresh Meadows) must stop stalling and making futile attempts to change the guidelines.
It diminishes us all, as well as our democracy, if unqualified ballots are counted, regardless of who cast them. We, the tax−payers of the 11th Senate District, need representation in Albany. We need Padavan fighting on our behalf.
Maria Collier
Jamaica
