To the Editor:

I am writing in strong support for Representative Paul Tonko in the upcoming election for the 20th Congressional District. Rep. Tonko bases his decisions on facts and science; for instance, on how to deal with the complex issue of climate change.

Reasonable people can disagree on policies to mitigate the effects, but let us at least agree on the scientific methods used to collect and analyze data, and not sully the reputations of honest scientists. His support of the Affordable Care Act is commendable, especially in light of the devastation caused by COVID-19.

In contrast, his Republican opponent appears to be “joined at the hip” to President Trump, under whose “leadership” more than 200,000 Americans have died so far in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Let us pause for a moment and let that number sink in; for comparison, the current population of Albany County is about 300,000.

What is truly sickening is that the president knew about the serious danger presented by the virus, but chose to downplay it, and not adopt policies that would have minimized the devastation. Why on earth would we want one of his followers to represent NY-20?

The choice could not be more stark nor clearer. A vote for Rep. Tonko is a vote for sanity!

Vivek Jain

Albany