Passing the torch

To the editor: It’s been my privilege to represent my neighbors in Tuxedo, Chester, and Monroe over the past 16 years in the Orange County Legislature. Born in Tuxedo, raised in Monroe, and graduating from St. Columba Grammar School in Chester, I always felt I was representing my home community. Now, through the redistricting process, some of those neighborhoods in Monroe and Tuxedo have been shifted into another district, just as my Chester neighborhoods were 10 years ago. Beginning in January they will now be part of County Legislative District 8, currently served by Legislator Dimitrios Lambros. Dimitrios grew up in Monroe and is raising his family in Sugar Loaf. He is running for re-election in the 8th Legislative District this year and I urge you to vote for him in November. During his first four-year term in the Legislature, he has been an invaluable ally in the county’s efforts to preserve open space, provide planning assistance to our local communities, and create an economic development strategy for our farmers. He played a vital leadership role in the legislature’s decision to bring the Village of Kiryas Joel into court over that village’s efforts to tap in to the New York City aqueduct with a 13-mile pipeline. As Rules, Enactments, and Intergovernmental Relations Chair, I have relied upon Dimitrios to support the environmental agenda I’ve established for that committee. He has steadfastly supported the county’s efforts to control and direct growth, while insisting that the environmental integrity of our communities be maintained. As a member of the majority caucus, he has been able to deliver on his promises and has proven to be remarkably effective during his first term. Dimitrios Lambros is plain spoken and has established a reputation for honesty and integrity in county government. Respected by his peers in the legislature, he has effectively represented the 8th Legislative District and will continue to do so over the next four years. I urge all the voters in District 8 to vote for Dimitrios Lambros on Nov. 8. Sincerely, Spencer McLaughlin Orange County Legislator, District 7 Monroe