Vote Shea for Supervisor

To the Editor:

I was surprised to read Catherine Portman-Laux's letter in last week's PCN&R. In 2006, Mrs. Portman-Laux generously donated the use of her home office to support Democrat John Hall's first congressional campaign. As a volunteer on that campaign, I was impressed to see that she could step across party lines to support the right candidate for Philipstown.

Because Richard Shea is the right candidate for Philipstown Town Supervisor, it is unfortunate that she is unable to do the same in our current race for Supervisor and join me in supporting Shea. What Richard Shea and the entire Democratic ticket share is an intense personal dedication to public service. Richard works every day for the benefit of all of us because he loves and believes in this community. Over the past seven years that he has been on the Town Board, we have all benefited from his commitment to fiscal oversight and responsibility, and attention to the future. Richard has wisely pursued grants for Philipstown, and it is important to remember that grants come from various sources, not just governmental agencies. I wonder if Mrs. Portman-Laux considers Federal highway spending to be a Marxist practice?

I was also surprised to read whispering accusations from Mrs. Portman-Laux regarding sexism. I have known Richard Shea for close to 15 years now, and I am proud and happy to be serving as his campaign manager. There are four women on our campaign team: Marit Kulleseid, Grace Kennedy, Peggy Clements, and me. If you know any of us, you know that we aren't the sort of women who tolerate nonsense on that front.

Finally, although Mrs. Portman Laux implies that the other candidate for supervisor has gained support, he lacks a single endorsement from any local party, including his own. Richard Shea, on the other hand, has been endorsed by the Democratic, Independent, and Conservative parties because he has earned that confidence through hard work and a strong record of service to the Town.

I encourage everyone to support Richard Shea at the polls on November 3.
Kim Conner
North Highlands