To the Editor:

What many of us learned from the 2016 election is that citizens cannot be complacent and we must engage in politics at every level. With this energy has come a brighter spotlight on local races.

I am thrilled to see The Enterprise covering those advocating for Democratic Committee reforms in Guilderland and New Scotland and look forward to your reporting on other local candidates as we get closer to the general election.

A race that has not gotten much attention is the New York State Senate race in the 46th District, particularly in Guilderland and our surrounding communities. Democrat Pat Strong is running against Republican George Amedore in a gerrymandered district that runs from Kingston to Schenectady and includes parts of Amsterdam.

A sprawling district like this makes it difficult for non-incumbents to educate voters on their positions. The Enterprise does an excellent review of local candidates as we get closer to elections, but earlier opportunities for learning about candidates can happen effectively with one-on-one debates.

As they have in recent years, the League of Women Voters has invited both candidates to debate, but I believe they have yet to secure a commitment from Senator Amedore, despite several attempts to contact him.

I urge both candidates to commit to a debate as soon as possible so that voters can make an informed decision. Our democracy depends on it.

Laura Shore

Altamont