Regarding Senator Jordan’s online survey

To the editor:

Senator Jordan recently asked her constituents to respond to an online public policy survey, ostensibly because “our voices and our views” matter to her. I would like to remind Senator Jordan that her voice and views matter just as much. The survey questions that she is circulating have a clear bias, containing inflammatory, skewed, and divisive language that appears to be talking only to voters who share her values and embrace the GOP party line.

Beginning with the very first question, she wants to know whether making New York more affordable by cutting taxes and reducing spending is a priority. Is that really the only way to make New York more affordable? That tired, decades-old refrain clearly doesn’t take into account such problems as income inequality and the lack of affordable housing, nor does it address the need to provide quality day care and early childhood education so that more women can participate fully in the workforce. Furthermore, there is no expectation that the super wealthy will pay their fair share of taxes in order to fund the very services that could make New York more affordable and livable.

Jordan also asks survey participants to prioritize the issue of cutting job-killing rules and regulations, clearly code for letting big business operate unfettered by any governmental obligation to protect the health and well-being of citizens, safeguard the ability of workers to earn a livable wage and foster stewardship of our natural resources and environment. I would like to inform Senator Jordan that our natural resources, rivers, streams, farms, and farmland are the lifeblood of the economy in Columbia County.

Jordan also asks constituents if they have considered moving to another state, or whether they would “support or oppose enacting legislation to separate upstate and downstate New York by creating two separate states?” This “secession” question is yet another tired, old GOP chestnut. If Senator Jordan really wants some fresh ideas from her district, she ought to have a conversation with us in a town hall setting. I recently attended a standing room only town hall that Congressman Delgado held here in Columbia County. It was one of 11 town halls in 11 weeks that he has held since taking office in January. Different points of view were expressed about public policy in a civil discourse that gave participants ample opportunity to ask questions. I suspect Senator Jordan’s underlying motivation for disseminating her survey is to feed her database with our email addresses.

I have proudly called New York state my home for my entire life. I recognize all its challenges and opportunities, blemishes and beauty marks. I was educated in our public schools and colleges, and I enjoy the diversity of its land and people, its remarkably beautiful landscapes, and its energy and vitality. If Senator Jordan chooses to believe the negative, politically motivated characterization of New York that her political party peddles on Twitter, perhaps she would like to give up her seat, and let a true champion represent the people.

Stephanie Sussman

Claverack