Working with Kuhl a 'pleasure'

To the Editor,

Prior to Randy Kuhl being elected to Congress, I had the pleasure of working with him for eight years in the state legislator. We worked together as a team, delivering constituent service to district residents and voting on issues of concern to us all.

Randy has a 26 year record of holding elective office including as an assemblyman, state senator, and now congressman. One gains experiences and learns how to get things done for your constituents during your tenure as an elected official. I don't think you can dismiss Randy's grassroots experience representing the people in the 29th Congressional District.

New Yorkers often criticize the federal government because we, as taxpayers, send more of our dollars to Washington than we get back. During Randy's first two years as our Congressman, we have seen more federal dollars come back to our district either in the form of contracts to our local businesses or funding for local projects in recent memory. Transportation projects alone, completion of I86, conversion of route 15 to I99, the transportation center in Corning, along with major improvements to local airports, will make our area more desirable to developers for future job growth. I've found Randy always listens to the needs of his constituents and, time and time again, delivers funding where it is most needed.

It seems the last three Congressmen we have had in this district received criticism for their voting records while in office. Stan Lundine voted with the Democratic Majority at the time which virtually never reflected the "tone" of the district. Even as beloved as Amo was as a representative, he more that once angered "the base" by voting opposite what most people felt. Both of these men were returned to office by large margins because of their excellent constituent service. I don't believe Randy Kuhl has changed his position on issues in the last two years. In fact, Randy has voted against the President on certain issues he felt were not in the best interests of his constituents. For example, he opposed the administration's proposal to significantly reduced Medicare spending which would have been detrimental to hospitals and physicians who care for elderly patients. Our hospitals are already operating at deficits which threaten the viability of our healthcare infrastructure. At the same time, he has supported tax cuts affecting families and small businesses. He endorses elimination of the marriage penalty, supports the college tuition deduction and, most importantly, supports a balanced budget amendment. Also Randy favors increasing the minimum wage to create a level playing field for businesses in the Southern Tier which must compete with border states.

Randy Kuhl's continuing ability to serve his constituents over the past 26 years is indisputable proof of his dedication to the people he represents. I support him.

Jim Bacalles

Corning The writer serves as New York assemblyman for the 136th District.