As you may have heard, I have a primary opponent this year. A political newcomer has collected enough signatures to create a Democratic Primary on June 24.

Republicans have already begun rallying behind my primary opponent, hoping to weaken my candidacy or perhaps remove me: an experienced, effective, progressive voice.

I’m proud of my record. I got involved two decades ago, helping elect the leaders and pass the laws that saved our farms and stopped our community from turning into just another McMansion suburb.

I served for years as a volunteer on the Red Hook Planning Board, and later, the Zoning Board of Appeals, learning the ropes before running for elected office.

As a legislator, I passed term limits, ethics reform, and helped write the county’s Independent Redistricting law. I advocated for more resources to be allocated to the opioid epidemic and the mental health crisis. I held the administration accountable for construction cost overruns and poor planning practices.

In just the last 18 months, I led the fight to block a sales tax hike, organized to restore the county bus line, funded new mental health services for our district, and allocated $2M to reduce ambulance response times.

Unfortunately, a primary means unexpected additional costs for flyers, mailings, and getting our message out to the voters. Please help me to continue this work in the legislature by making a contribution to our campaign.

Whatever you can contribute, $100, $50, $25, will make a difference. I cannot do it alone. That’s why I’m turning to you, the people who know me best, and inviting you to get involved in my campaign and help make a difference.