Editor’s note: The primary election is June 25. Early voting is June 15-23. The final day we will accept letters related to the election is June 14, 2024.
Mannion improved lives of I/DD community
To the Editor:
State Sen. John Mannion has become known across New York as one of the greatest advocates we have ever had in the legislature, working on behalf of his constituents and all New Yorkers, particularly those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. After his first election to the Senate, Mannion was quickly appointed to lead the newly formed Developmental Disabilities Committee. A committee that was critically needed for New York state to meet the needs of its citizens. As the chair of this committee, Mannion immediately made his presence in Albany known through his compassionate action and strong advocacy skills.
As a professor, behavior analyst and an advocate, there aren’t enough words available here for me to communicate the progress he has facilitated and the support he has given to ensure individuals who are the most vulnerable in our state could receive the support that they need. Often, these efforts achieve broad bipartisan support because of Mannion’s commitment to working with all and across the aisle.
As a voter in the former 24th Congressional District, I am familiar with the political landscape in the now 22nd Congressional District. Unfortunately, my view now is only of looking in, as I wish I could cast my vote for Mannion on June 25. Not only do I know how committed, capable and passionate Mannion is for people with IDD, but I also have had the opportunity to see up close how much he has done to represent the constituents in his district. I am so excited to see what he will accomplish for NY 22 and all of us in Washington.
Deborah Napolitano, PhD., BCBA-D, LBA-NY
Advocate
Chair, Macedon Democrat Committee
Macedon
Klee Hood running to solve problems
To the Editor:
This November, voters in Central New York will have the opportunity to change the leadership in Congress. Republicans like Rep. Brandon Williams rely on fear and division. Rather than offering solutions to make American lives better, the Republicans have spent the past two years arguing amongst themselves becoming the least productive Congress in a lifetime.
Sarah Klee Hood embraces a future that presents hope and opportunity for all Americans. Her entire life has been about service; to family, her community and her country.
She will fight to protect a women’s health and reproductive rights.
She recognizes the need to prevent corporate monopolies that reduce competition, drives up prices, increasing inflation.
When elected to Congress, Klee Hood will work with Republicans to create bipartisan solutions so that we can get back to helping Americans again. As Dewitt town councilor, she has seen and experienced the significant impact local government can make in people’s lives.
When I first met Klee Hoof in December 2021, she told me, “I’m not running for Congress simply to occupy a seat. I’m doing this to make a difference in the lives of the people I will represent.”
As our representative, Sarah Klee Hood will never stop working to make our government work for every resident in Central New York.
Dr. Richard Levy
Syracuse
Mannion has track record on jobs, taxes
To the Editor:
In light of our current divisive political culture, I am pleased to write in support of New York state Sen. John Mannion’s candidacy for Congress in New York’s 22nd District.
First, there are his many accomplishments as a New York state senator. Mannion’s leadership approach has been both pragmatic and visionary, and is always aimed at improving the lives of his constituents. For example, he supports a strong police force and created the first new police department in New York in 50 years at the Syracuse Airport. This will help ensure the safety of travelers while the airport grows to meet future demand. Mannion has also worked tirelessly to create high-paying employment opportunities across our region by leading the charge to pass the Green Chips legislation and by helping to bring Micron to Syracuse. I also am impressed with his successful push for middle class tax cuts and property tax relief.
Second, there is the matter of Mannion’s character. I have known him and his family both as a colleague and a friend and can attest to his professionalism, intelligence and integrity. My son was inspired by Mannion’s engaging instruction and love for learning. As a union president, I witnessed how he fought for the rights of all, not just for some of those he represented. And as a family man, he has modeled strong values and a consistent sense of integrity. These qualities are based in his upbringing right here in Central New York in a family who worked hard and loved their community. His efforts and accomplishments are not in response to political pandering, but rather come from his sense of duty to others and how he can best serve. I, for one, find this incredibly refreshing.
If you wish to be represented in Congress by someone who listens to his constituents, analyzes problems in an intelligent, caring manner, and then works hard to make positive change a reality, then John Mannion is your person. He will certainly continue to work with integrity and success in Congress. I urge you to endorse his candidacy with your vote and help elect him to Congress.
Deborah Geiss
Skaneateles
Mannion committed to public education
To the Editor:
As the New York State Democratic Primary election approaches, I want to take a moment to express my enthusiastic support for John Mannion for Congress in NY 22. I am a proud member of New York State United Teachers and our union has endorsed Mannion for this office. As a voter, I am eager to see him bring his leadership and vision to Congress.
I have worked with Mannion when he was a teacher and a union leader in the West Genesee school district. During his time as a New York state senator, he has a proven track record of supporting working families. His commitment to public education aligns with my values and the needs of our community. I am impressed that Mannion took the lead to pass the Green Chips legislation and helped to bring Micron to Central New York.
I urge readers to join me in supporting John Mannion in the Democratic Primary on June 25, 2024 . John Mannion will work to build a better future for our community.
Shelly Chizzonite
Cicero
Klee Hood has best shot at beating incumbent
To The Editor:
I have attended several meetings with the Democratic candidates who are running for Congress in NY-22. I have listened carefully to what each candidate had to say regarding all the issues so important to many of us.
Clearly, Sarah Klee Hood is the candidate with the most well-thought-out ideas and is our best chance to beat our current representative, Brandon Williams, who holds dear none of our democracy’s important values and freedoms.
First, Klee Hood, the mother of two elementary school daughters, cares on a deeply personal level about the Supreme Court’s disastrous Dobbs decision and will fight for women’s reproductive freedoms across the country. This is a galvanizing issue across the entire country, it will be important both locally and nationally.
Second, Klee Hood will represent us all, no matter who we are. She grew up in a union household in rural Madison County; she served our country in the Air Force where she led troops and advised on national security; she advocates for community values as a town councilor; she fights fiercely for climate issues as an experienced environmental policy expert.
Sarah Klee Hood is who we need to ensure the best quality of life and the protections we need for our future and the future of our children. Please join me in voting for Sarah Klee Hood for Congress in the Democratic Primary Election on June 25 (or in early voting, June 15-23).
Barbara Gold
Utica
Mannion’s legislative work has helped CNY
To the Editor:
We need accurate information to make reasoned decisions. I know firsthand as (retired) DeWitt Town Councilor that Central New York has directly benefited from state Sen. John Mannion’s advocacy. He is now running as our Democratic choice for Congress in the 22nd District.
His bills protect first responders, promote jobs for developmentally disabled people and ensure funding for special education.
Mannion secured funds for veterans to support mental health training , including military-related PTSD, peer-to-peer services and transitional job training . He introduced legislation designed to increase employment opportunities for disabled veterans and established the “Hire a Vet” grant program.
Mannion acquired almost $6 million to create jobs here. He co-sponsored and passed legislation to reduce warehouse workplace injuries, developed a strategy to incentivize workforce retention, mandated project labor agreements, and sponsored legislation that protects local jobs.
He made major contributions to Green CHIPS legislation, a determining factor in Micron’s decision to build a chip fabrication facility here. He secured funds to protect our drinking water, advocated for flood mitigation and clean transportation, and fought to keep “forever chemicals” out of consumer products.
The original New York Heat Act disproportionately raised utility costs for suburban usage. Mannion voted against that. Once that bill was amended to cap utility costs across communities at 6%, he voted for it.
Mannion passed legislation to protect a woman’s right to decide her own health care, to ensure abortion access pursuant to the Reproductive Health Act’s dictates and voted for funding to support abortion centers.
These are the facts. For these reasons, I support state Sen. John Mannion as our Democratic candidate for Congress in the 22nd District.
Karen J. Docter, M.A., M.S., Esq.
DeWitt Town Councilor (retired)
DeWitt
Union member also endorses Mannion
To the Editor:
John Mannion is the NYSUT endorsed candidate for Congress. I am a proud NYSUT member who has known Mannion and his family for many years. It was through my daughter-in-law and son that I first met John and Jen.
I have faith in his decision to do what is right for our Congressional district and all the families that live here. I have faith in his honesty and have seen him work so, so hard for us.
Please do the right thing and give him your vote. He is the right person to represent us and he deserves our vote!
Deborah Dwyer Krupa
Syracuse
More stories about the 22nd Congressional District
- John Mannion’s first bill would block Trump from dismantling special education programs
- Trump aims to close Syracuse office that helps farmers, leaving dozens of scientists in limbo
- Former Rep. Jim Walsh asks GOP-controlled Congress to serve as a check on Trump, Musk
- Rep. John Mannion asks 2,000 callers to help him fight ‘reckless’ Trump agenda
- Is Brandon Williams qualified to oversee the nation’s nuclear arsenal?