Letter to the Editor: Leslie Danks Burke should represent 58th Senate District

To The Editor:

Leslie Danks Burke is an outstanding candidate to represent the 58^th district in our NY State Senate. This November, she is the only candidate who understands and is ready to fight for residents, small businesses, and farmers alike. 

Leslie knows the burden that high property taxes have placed on all of us, taxes that pay for Medicaid costs that should be covered by the state, but are instead covered by our local property taxes. She also understands the income tax loopholes that favor the downstate financial sector, noting that less than 25% of the Highway Trust Fund is actually used to support the highways we drive on. And, importantly, Leslie is fully aware of the alarming possibility that our upstate region will become a toxic waste dump for the rest of the state and Pennsylvania. She is ready to tackle all of these challenges.

Leslie herself grew up on a farm and has lived in small towns for much of her life, so her focus has always been grounded by a local perspective. She has a history of volunteering and making a difference for important organizations including the local library, community colleges, and by advocating for women’s health needs through the development of Planned Parenthood of the Southern Tier. In the political sphere, Leslie has made bipartisan cooperation a priority by founding Trailblazers, Inc. which provides financial support to local candidates of either party who refuse to accept PAC money. This organization has gone national and it has been highly successful in increasing the number of local people running for local office. 

Although Leslie is an accomplished human rights lawyer and has an impressive record as a fierce local advocate, Leslie will work full time for the people in the 58th. She is running against a long-time incumbent, Tom O’Mara, who works for us only as his side hustle. His main job is as a partner at a law firm where he has personal financial involvement in the very issues on which he votes. Moreover, he now belongs to the minority party in the Senate which has little or no power to get things done. In contrast, Danks Burke will be part of the majority party and she will be able to influence those in power to provide upstate with its fair share. In every way, she is the superior candidate who should be our next state Senator.

Ann T. Lemley

301 Woodgate Lane

Ithaca, NY 14850

(607) 273-4649