On Feb. 6 we'll be voting for Maureen O'Connell for state senator. The issue of property taxes is most important, as these taxes have risen at rates well above the rate of inflation year after year. Another important issue deals with state law covering the reporting of child abuse. Today NY law requires "mandated reporters" (i.e., professionals who deal with children) to report sexual abuse of children only when the abuser is a parent----abuse by non-parents, which is most abuse, is not required to be reported, incredible as that sounds.

After reviewing the candidates' positions and actions on these and other issues, we have decided to support Maureen O'Connell. Still another consideration for this important position is temperament. A state senator must be willing and able to discuss difficult issues in a calm and respectful manner. For all these reasons, we're voting for Maureen.

Bette and Frank Russo