I am a lifelong, passionate Democrat. I vote in every election, with glee and joy at being able to exercise this right, responsibility and privilege.
We have a tradition of taking our children with us, it is a family affair. But, given what I believe to be political decisions not to ban fracking in New York, I fear Gov. Andrew Cuomo will soon be opening up our state to the natural gas interests that have donated so much to his campaign.
If this is the case, in 2014, for the first time ever, I will not vote for any candidate for governor. The science is in and has been in. To ignore that, I can only assume the fracking decision will be for political reasons, both now and for Cuomo's obvious presidential hopes for 2016. That means he is not making a decision based on what is best, in the short- or long-term, for the citizens of New York, my family and my children. And so, the governor has lost my vote.
I am usually not a one-issue voter. I have even offered to campaign for Republicans in my district whom I've felt shared most of my core beliefs. But, this time, the stakes are too high and the effect permanent. I am but one voice, but I am one of the silent voices — from an average middle-class family busy raising children.
I have watched this debate with growing concern, but also with hope that the governor would do the right thing about fracking as the science has become conclusive. That time has come and gone.
REBECCA ELLIOTT
Trumansburg