Randy Kuhl is the hometown boy

This is what I've heard said on the street, "Randy's done a really good job for our area but by voting for Massa I'm making a protest vote against the Iraq conflict." This is, in fact, the reality. "I'm going to cut off my nose to spite my own face"! Yes!!, by all means let's sacrifice the local guy who loves and has produced for our area. Let's elect the guy from New Orleans who, a few years ago "settled" his family in Corning, made an appearance at Corning Inc., and then shuffled off to Washington and then the "Wes Clark for Pres." Campaign. Sounds like he's a real Upstate New Yorker!! Where in all of this do you even get a "whiff" of "I understand my rural, upstate Congressional District's needs"?

I've gone to a Kuhl/Massa debate and heard a negative, and at times, snide man tell me what's wrong, but offer no positives, no solutions. When asked about his ideas for economic growth in the Finger Lakes, Massa's answer is to get out of Iraq. Randy explained the need for better airport facilities, roads, etc...to attract industry and has worked for this both on the State, and now the Federal level. When asked about alternative energy in our area, Massa railed about the Alaskan oil fields and said that alternative energy is controlled by corporate powers. Well, what's his solution? He also states that he sees no reason why New York shouldn't have a higher minimum wage than all of the other states- How 'bout no company will stay in New York to hire people at a higher wage. Just maybe this means we'll be "out-sourcing jobs to the other 49." Randy is in favor of a higher minimum wage for all 50 states. Massa appears to be in favor of everyone getting a chance to live in the USA, just like his ancestors...just like most of our ancestors- only they had to have a vocational skill, a sponsor to help them settle in, and a clear criminal record.

What bothers me the most is that a US Congressman is the only conduit for the "little guy" to have his needs heard on a federal level and to get a response. Whether you like it or not, it takes someone with a little political know-how to play on a level field with the "big guys" in Washington and to get picked to play on the team. We have that in Randy Kuhl. He appreciates his roots and has produced for our area for over 20 years. Does the new guy where you work produce as much as the guy who knows the "tricks of the trade"?

I heard all about how Mr. Massa was going to give us a grand, socialized medical program. Where will the money come from- the middle class? Or, let's tax industry more so they'll move out of New York State...I heard nothing about what he would do for this area as our congressman. In fact, what does he even know about our area?

I still have no idea where Mr. Massa is from, why he is here, or how long he intends to stay. Randy was born here, raised here, educated here, lives here now, and will someday retire here.

Niki Brown Bath