As a member of CSEA for over 30 years I was blindsided that they endorsed Kathy Hochul. Big mistake due to the following reasons:

Hochul wants New York to continue being a sanctuary state which means we the taxpayers are shelling out millions of tax dollars to pay for these people. In the meantime, homeowners are struggling with rising taxes.
Hochul does not want ICE in jails to pick up illegal aliens who have detainers. Many are repeat offenders
Hochul never says the names of the women being raped and/or murdered by illegal aliens. One of our own NY residents, a beautiful 18-year-old woman was gunned down months ago by an illegal alien in Chicago. Hochul has been silent. Absolutely unacceptable on all levels.
Hochul is still taxing tips because she wants this money to pay for her programs for illegals.
The way Hochul treated our brothers and sisters in the Correctional Facility Unions is again disgusting. They went on strike because their jobs became unsafe. An unknown substance was being put in the air and officers were being Narcanned and taken out in ambulances. Hochul was doing nothing to address this. Many were fired and she put out a statement that no government agency could hire them.
Hochul is temporarily putting the "green" agenda on the back burner while she is running for another term because it is unpopular. It will raise gas prices over 2 dollars a gallon. Also, you will not be able to use gas powered tools or appliances.
Hochul is in lockstep with the Communist running New York City. When they run out of money we in upstate New York will be forced to pay for all the freebies.
Last, but not least, we need to remember Hochul was Lt. Governor during Covid when Cuomo put all those people back in nursing homes killing many. She owns some of that responsibility as well.

The Republican candidate, Mr. Blakeman, is a person who gets a lot of bipartisan support. He is pro-choice and women's health. Unlike Hochul he does not believe biological males should play in women's sports nor should they be in women's safe spaces like bathrooms, locker rooms or prisons. I would encourage all people to do their own research and make an educated choice based on your own values and pocketbook.

Deborah Brissett

Ellenville