Letters to the Editor

To the Editor:

Like many voters, I have spent the past year and a half wondering how our country arrived at this moment—and how we move forward. For me, the answer begins with electing capable, principled leaders who understand our communities and will fight for the people they represent. That is why I am supporting Beth Davidson in the Democratic primary for Congress in NY-17.

My top priority is defeating Mike Lawler in November. To do that, Democrats need a nominee who not only shares our values but has demonstrated the ability to win elections, govern effectively, and earn the trust of local voters. After closely following this race, I believe Beth Davidson is that candidate.

Beth has lived in Rockland County for more than 20 years, raised her family here, served on her local school board, and now serves as a County Legislator. She has a proven record of public service, working on issues such as reproductive freedom, affordability, and climate resilience. She is also a strong supporter of Israel whose Jewish values help guide her commitment to public service.

Most importantly, Beth is the only Democrat in this primary with a proven record of winning and governing in a competitive district. She has built relationships throughout NY-17 and understands firsthand the challenges facing our families, schools, businesses, and local governments.

This election is too important to be a résumé contest. It is about who is best prepared to defeat Mike Lawler and effectively represent NY-17 from day one. I believe Beth Davidson has the experience, judgment, and local roots to do exactly that.

Sincerely,

Howard J. Lasner

Clarkstown

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Dear Editor,

More than 250 million children around the world are currently living in extreme poverty, placing them at risk of lifelong physical and cognitive harm. The first years of life are especially critical, as nearly 80% of brain development occurs between conception and age three.

The Global Child Thrive Act, originally enacted in 2021, helped integrate early childhood development programs into U.S. foreign assistance efforts. By supporting nutrition, healthcare, and early learning opportunities, the legislation has helped vulnerable children gain a stronger foundation for future success.

Unfortunately, the law expired in 2025 and now requires reauthorization through the Global Child Thrive Reauthorization Act. Without renewed congressional support, important progress in helping children reach their full potential could be lost.

As residents of Rockland County, we understand the importance of giving children the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive. Investing in early childhood development not only improves individual lives but also contributes to healthier, more stable communities around the world.

I encourage Representative Mike Lawler and members of Congress to support the Global Child Thrive Reauthorization Act and continue America’s commitment to helping children build brighter futures.

Jake Rinaldi

 The Borgen Project Ambassador

Orangeburg

***

Dear Editor:

Like so many voters, I feel it is so vital choose the candidate who can beat Mike Lawler. 

We have a choice between Beth Davidson, a career politician who is running a negative campaign rife with MAGA-like lies and innuendos, and Cait Conley who has consistently been talking to voters about the issues and her plans for a future that will benefit all of District 17. 

Cait Conley brings a unique combination of talents and experience to the task of governing.

She’s worked with Congress on complex issues of national security and critical infrastructure, including the water supply. She’s shown leadership, winning 3 Bronze Stars during 16 years in the military. Importantly, she is the only one in the race with a knowledge of AI. She has worked with state and local law enforcement to protect families attending huge stadium events. She has worked to keep hospitals safe from cyber attacks. She knows the positives and negatives of AI and believes that, like any new technology, it needs to be regulated.  She is opposed to building a data center at Indian Point. 

Cait Conley can beat Lawler. She has a commitment and belief in America that appeals to voters of different backgrounds, Democrats and Republicans.

With her boundless energy, Cait Conley will make a major impact for our district in Congress—and she’s the only candidate who can hit the ground running on Day One. 

 Sincerely yours,

Barbara Lalicki

Briarcliff

***

To the Editor:

In a recent Facebook post, Congressman Mike Lawler called members of Yorktown Indivisible and Northern Westchester Indivisible “far left agitators,” “deranged folks” and “disgusting” for holding a protest against ICE in the hometown of the Gorman family who lost their daughter Sheridan to an act of gun violence by an illegal immigrant in Chicago in March.

Our heart breaks for the Gorman family. For many of us, the pain of losing a child is unimaginable. And for others of us, it is real. Violent criminals, both documented and undocumented, should be processed through our criminal justice system and, to the extent they are not, our criminal justice system is in need of reform. So, too, is our immigration system in need of reform.

As human beings, we feel compassion for individual struggle – no matter who you are or where you come from. Our compassion extends to ALL living things. Not just our own family and friends. And we know that we can hold compassion for many people and things all at once.

We can have compassion and love and heartbreak for the Gorman family, AND we can have compassion, love and heartbreak for the many non-criminal immigrant families who are suffering abuse in detention centers for the offense of seeking a better life.

What is truly despicable is Lawler’s politicizing the Gorman family’s grief for his own ambitions in an election year that will challenge a Congressman who is totally complicit with the current administration’s cruelty, corruption and war crimes. 

Judy Allen

Putnam Valley, NY

***

WHY CAIT SHOULD BE YOUR CHOICE

At the outset of the CD17 Democratic primary, the candidates made a public commitment not to attack one another. The purpose was simple: avoid providing ammunition that Mike Lawler could later use against the eventual Democratic nominee in the general election.

To their credit, the candidates honored that pledge—with one regrettable exception.

Beth Davidson has repeatedly centered her campaign on accusations against Cait Conley that originated with Lawler and partisan media outlets. Most notably, Davidson has sought to portray Conley’s previous work as evidence that she somehow supports policies harmful to immigrant communities. These claims are unsubstantiated, false and rely on little more than guilt by very questionable association.

If such reasoning were valid, one could just as easily question Davidson’s ownership of substantial investments in Microsoft, Amazon, and Oracle—companies that have, at various times, contracted with federal agencies, including DHS and ICE. Yet that would be equally unfair and misleading.

Rather than respond in kind, Conley has focused on the issues and on her record of service as a West Point honor graduate, Army officer, combat veteran, and former senior national security official. She has also been unequivocal in condemning abuses of power and calling for accountability and reform within federal immigration enforcement agencies.

Negative campaigning can be effective, but it comes at a cost. Davidson’s willingness to break her word and repeat unsubstantiated attacks raises concerns about judgment and character. As Martin Luther King Jr. reminded us, content of character matters.

A candidate’s word should mean something. Cait Conley has demonstrated that principle throughout this campaign, and throughout her life of public service. Add to that unique skill sets, fiery determination and selfless motivation and you have the only candidate that can realistically beat Mike Lawler and reclaim our seat in Congress on election day.

Jay Forbes

Peekskill