Trump policies are making life unaffordable
To the Editor:
I find it interesting that Elise Stefanik is focusing on affordability in her bid for governor of New York. Where has she been over the past year regarding affordability, as she has been very proud of her support for the Trump administration policies that have harmed her district, and New Yorkers in general?
From increasing health care costs and elimination of the Affordable Care Act subsidies, and the cutting back SNAP benefits in the One Big Beautiful Bill, to the increase in inflation and unemployment due to Trump’s tariffs, the Stefanik affordability argument rings hollow. Additionally, her support for the Trump policies have significantly damaged the New York state tourism industry, further hurting many New Yorkers, both individuals and businesses.
It is difficult to find any substantive accomplishments from Stefanik other than showing unconditional support for Trump and the disastrous MAGA agenda. Could she really do an about-face, show up for her constituents and try to correct the problems she helped create? Calling Gov. Kathy Hochul a Communist, which is laughable at best, does not solve anyone’s affordability problems.
She seems to be all talk about affordability, but her actions support policies that most New Yorkers cannot afford.
Eric Holmes
Liverpool
Stefanik understands Central New Yorkers
To the Editor:
Central New York is a region with significant strengths — skilled workers, agricultural depth, university‑driven innovation — yet we have endured years of policies from Albany that too often ignore upstate realities. This is why I support Elise Stefanik’s candidacy for governor.
Her record reflects consistent advocacy for rural and suburban communities that rarely receive equitable attention in statewide policymaking. While recent governors increased mandates and regulatory burdens, Stefanik’s focus on affordability, workforce development and energy affordability aligns with the priorities of Central New York’s families and businesses.
Energy costs, in particular, have strained farms, manufacturers and homeowners across our region. Mandates such as banning natural‑gas appliances place additional pressure on communities already navigating high inflation and thin margins. Stefanik’s commitment to responsibly unlocking New York’s energy resources would lower costs and support growth in agriculture, technology and advanced manufacturing.
Most importantly, she stands for the values that have always defined this region: hard work, self‑reliance and community strength.
Central New York deserves leadership that reflects and respects its people. Elise Stefanik offers exactly that.
Gorden Schubert Jr.
Buffalo
CNY Republicans learned nothing from election
To the Editor:
Just one week after Republican candidates lost a slew of local elections, losing town after town in Onondaga County and its legislative majority, we read on syracuse.com that “Central New York Republican leaders line up behind Elise Stefanik for governor” (Nov. 10, 2025). Republicans suffered a “blue wave” on Election Day because they failed to put any distance between themselves and Trump’s MAGA madness. Many of these GOP leaders and candidates are decent citizens who privately are upset by how Trump is running/ruining the country. But they remain silent in public, and have been humiliated at the ballot box.
And they are now repeating their mistakes by “lining up” behind MAGA loyalist and ideologue, Elise Stefanik. Yet another opportunity has slipped by for these “Republicans” to stiffen their backbones and do what is right for the people, not necessarily their party.
In the last months of his life, Dick Cheney, the consummate Republican loyalist, bucked his party and cast his vote for Kamala Harris in one citizen’s effort to save our democracy from Trumpism.
What does this display of failure indicate about these GOP leaders’ effectiveness in serving their constituents’ needs? The lack of flexibility, individual initiative and public awareness is shocking.
Barry Miller
Fayetteville
