Columnists share their thoughts

Find out what people have to say about local and national issues.

Thank you for showing humanity

In the Mohawk Valley, we have each other’s back. We check in on our friends, family, and neighbors to make sure they are staying safe, healthy and sane. We understand that protecting public health is what we need to end this pandemic for good!

I’m grateful for Congressman Brindisi’s leadership. The compassion he’s shown to everyone in the district, especially during this stressful and difficult time of staying home, is truly admirable. He has held tele-town halls that have served thousands of people looking for facts, guidance, and assistance. He continues to reach out and listen to local businesses about their realities and needs no matter which party they belong to— absolutely the right course of action.

Recently he drove to Washington, DC to vote for legislation known as Covid 3.5. This bill will ensure that small businesses and hospitals in NY22 will have access to capital to keep their employees on payrolls and have everything they need to reopen when the time comes. Congressman Brindisi is showing his humanity in thinking about us, and his leadership in bringing everyone together. Don’t let others divide us with fear and finger pointing. Instead, keep taking care of each other. We’ve got this.

Sarah Reeske

Clinton

Sherrill Manufacturing SPOONSS Act

As an employee of Sherrill MFG I and others want the record set straight.

Over the past few months the local media has given Anthony Brindisi a major victory in passing the SPOONSS Act through the House of Representatives. However, the media refuses to acknowledge that the act was truly written and introduced by Claudia Tenney in 2017. Tenney was able to bring this bill to the House floor three different times, but was opposed by the House Armed Services chairman.

However, Claudia did more than introduce the SPOONSS Act, she championed it. In July of 2017, Claudia brought the owners of Sherrill Manufacturing, Greg Owens and Matt Roberts, to the White House to meet President Trump and Vice President Pence. At the White House, Greg and Matt were also able to put Liberty Tabletop products on full display bringing light to the one and only Made in America flatware. She visited the plant frequently talking to all of us.

While some think Brindisi is behind the SPOONSS Act, nothing could be farther from the truth. There really has been no bigger supporter for Sherrill Manufacturing than Claudia Tenney.

We as employees appreciate everything Tenney did, as we are now the only flatware company, that has a government contract, to provide to our government, instead of other countries If we send her back to Congress, there is no telling what other supports she can provide for local businesses.

Kurt Knight

Verona