To the Editor:

I was surprised to read a letter to the editor last week in which Paul Tonko was referred to as “dead wood” [“We have to vote the dead wood out of office,” The Altamont Enterprise, Sept. 3, 2020].

I can appreciate somebody supporting another candidate; that’s how our democracy works. We take different positions on issues that are important to us, and we support the candidates who better represent our values.

But I’ve followed Mr. Tonko’s career from his days as head of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority to his current position as our United States Representative to Congress. He has consistently impressed me as one of the most dedicated and hardworking public servants we have.

I have seen him take interest in many local causes, activities, and charitable fundraisers. Because someone has worked for many years is no reason they should be cast aside if they continue to be diligent and effective. Paul Tonko is a strong and vital voice for this community at the federal level, something we desperately need. 

Russ Pokorny

Knox