I am from Wurtsboro and have lived in the Town of Mamakating for over 70 years. I am a United States Navy veteran, retired law enforcement officer, past chief and presently chairman of the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Wurtsboro Joint Fire District. I am also a lifelong and proud Republican. 

In all of my years of voting, I have never once, nor will I ever, vote a straight one-party ticket. I adamantly believe that you should vote for the person you feel will do the best job for all involved. On November 5, I will be supporting—and I urge all of you, from all political parties, to join me in voting for—Paula Kay to be our next Assemblymember from the 100th AD. 

Let me tell you why I will be supporting Paula. As the chairman of the Wurtsboro Fire District, I have known and worked with Paula. Paula has been our attorney for many years. Although not herself a firefighter, she has become one of us and she gets us. Whether it is planning for a new firehouse or understanding the implications of new regulations for fire equipment, we have relied heavily on Paula’s guidance. She has always stood by us and for us. Her counsel has always been spot on, and a valuable asset to our fire district as well as the Rock Hill Fire and Neversink Fire Districts. She understands the needs of the various fire departments and fire districts throughout our county.

Finding new ways to recruit volunteers, pay for equipment, changes in personal protection turnout/bunker gear and new stringent regulations are among the number of issues facing volunteer departments. Paula is the representative we need here and in Albany.

I am no fan of most Democrats; however, I must admit that Aileen Gunther was always there for us, which helped us a lot. So one more time, it is a no-brainer to vote for another Democrat. In the State of New York assembly, the majority is overwhelmingly Democratic. We need someone who can be in the room when they are deciding who gets what. Unfortunately, a first-time Republican just cannot deliver. And this is true for other emergency services, highway, water, sewer projects, nonprofits—and the list goes on.

And if you are a Republican or Conservative and cannot vote for Paula as a Democrat, do not worry, she is also running as an Independent. I particularly love the name of her Independent line, “People Over Politics.” That says it all right there. Look for it when you go out and vote.

Paula has lived in Sullivan County for almost 30 years. She lives in Rock Hill and has watched as Sullivan County has changed. She and her family have spent plenty of time in the Middletown and Town of Wallkill areas. Most of us have to travel to that part of the assembly district for health care, shopping, restaurants and even the YMCA. Paula will be good for the entire district. But she understands the needs and issues that face Sullivan County.

I want someone who lives in Sullivan County and can deliver for us in Albany.

Paula Kay will be that someone. Please vote for Paula Kay on November 5.

Bill Lothrop
Wurtsboro, NY