With the primary season now complete, I thought it was a good time to point out what is at stake in our local race for the 100th Assembly District to succeed Aileen Gunther and to point out why our district must support the Independent and Democratic candidate, Paula Kay. 

Paula’s message—People Over Politics—is that she will work for all the residents of the 100th Assembly District. Indeed, many people from across the political spectrum, as well as those with no party affiliation, have already indicated their support for Paula.

Albany is a tough place to work. I should know. I worked for Assemblywoman Gunther for five years. The Democratic majority in the New York State Assembly is 102 to 48. To get things done, we need a strong member of the majority party to give us the representation we have come to expect from this seat for well over the last two decades. 

Ask Republican Assemblymembers to be truthful as to what they can really do for their districts. The answer, unfortunately, is “Not much.”

Paula is running based on her experience. Because she worked for Assemblywoman Gunther as her legislative director and often served as a sounding board for Aileen’s efforts, she knows her way around Albany. Because of her work for our local municipal governments, she knows the people in state agencies she needs to interact with to ensure she can bring back the funding and legislation we so desperately need.

As an attorney, Paula has gained a well-deserved reputation for fairness, competency and for being a skilled negotiator. This will be important in ensuring that her colleagues understand our needs. 

Paula has lived, worked and raised her family in Sullivan County. She has decades of experience working with our towns, fire departments, emergency medical services and law enforcement. In fact, many law enforcement unions have already thrown their support behind Paula. Not to mention she has received the endorsement of Aileen Gunther. 

With Paula, we can continue to have an elected official at the state level who lives in Sullivan County. While Aileen never neglected the needs of the Orange County portion of the district, it doesn’t hurt us that she lived here. With so many diverse needs in this community, it is vital to ensure that Sullivan County continues to have a voice at the state level. Paula is known throughout the assembly district but especially here in Sullivan County.

Let’s get behind the best person who can make certain we have an effective voice in Albany that understands our unique needs and has the experience to advocate on our behalf.

That’s why we should support Paula Kay.

Matt McPhillips
District 1 Legislator
Monticello, NY