To the Editor:

My thanks to The Enterprise for the excellent candidate profiles and interviews for the New York State Senate race in the 46th District (Dems’ Strong Challenges GOP Incumbent Amedore, Oct. 4, 2018).

Your coverage appears to be pretty much the sum total of what local voters are going to get in the way of a side-by-side comparison of these candidates’ views. And, contrasting the views is particularly important when the candidates are polar opposites on almost every key issue from health care to protection from violence.

What also would have been helpful to voters is a one-on-one public debate between Pat Strong and George Amedore, given the high degree of voter interest in the Nov. 6 election, and the fact that Ms. Strong is a first-time candidate for public office. It’s disappointing that the senator would not agree to a debate, as did Pat Strong.

I don’t understand why Mr. Amedore has made that choice, but I believe keeping a low profile is not to any incumbent’s advantage this year. Not debating appears complacent, verging on disrespectful to constituents.

There are some good resources to help voters research the candidates’ positions on the specific issues of concern to them. Votepatstrong.com clearly lays out Ms. Strong’s positions on an extensive array of issues. Mr. Amedore as an incumbent has a voting record, which is the best indicator of his positions on the issues. VoteSmart.org, is the site of a not-for-profit, nonpartisan research organization that lists the votes of elected officials on most major issues.

Mr. Amedore’s voting record may greatly surprise and dismay a number of people.

I think this is an extremely important race — one that could shift New York State politics in a major way. Based on the available information, it’s clear to me that we have a real choice in this election and a fresh voice in the way of Pat Strong.

Many of my neighbors have said they believe state politics need some shifting. So do I.

Fran Porter

Altamont