To the Editor:

I am writing with respect to two issues that have been addressed in The Enterprise over the past few weeks.

Issue One: Regarding Nicholas J. Viscio’s letter in The Enterprise of Oct. 22 on the challenge by Republican opponent Travis Stevens’s campaign to Mr. Viscio’s niece’s application for an absentee ballot, I wish to thank Nick for opening my eyes to the disappointing nature of modern political campaigning.

I’ve known Travis Stevens for several years now, and in not one of our conversations did he give me the slightest reason to doubt he is one of the most honest and honorable persons I’ve ever met.  Imagine my surprise when it was revealed that a ballot application — hand-delivered by a candidate on behalf of a relative who was unavailable to corroborate the authenticity of the signature on it — would be challenged by the opposing candidate.

Scandalous, shameful assault on the very foundation of American democracy!

In all our conversations, never once did I hear Travis attribute low or self-seeking motives to others.  He had the gall to be the most clear-thinking, clear-speaking, and sensible elected official I ever met.

His understanding of the workings of government and the effects, often unintended, of legislation on average citizens was amazing.  His desire to steadily and conscientiously advance the interests of those citizens seemed to be completely genuine and deeply felt.

His reluctance to claim credit for achievements that weren’t his, or even to trumpet achievements that were, was also a masterstroke.  Boy, was I taken in!  And yet, why is it that I still believe Travis is far and away the better candidate to represent District 31 in the Albany County Legislature? 

Issue Two:  Regarding the recent letters in The Enterprise in support of Vasilios Lefkaditis, who is running for the position of Knox town supervisor, I’ve just received a copy of a five-page letter Vas is mailing to Knox voters.

It is a remarkable document — unlike any political campaign mailing I’ve ever received — and I urge all Knox voters to read it carefully and think about the candidate’s strong family and business background, his demonstrated commitment to community, and his positive vision for the future of the town of Knox.

Think about how the town was decades ago.  Then think about how it is today.  Finally, think about how you’d like Knox to be in 2022, when the town celebrates its bicentennial.

Is your vision even remotely similar to Vas’s?  If so, how shall we get there?

Ray Hand

Knox