THE ASSEMBLY SEAT in the 106th District gives voters the choice between incumbent Democrat Didi Barrett, 68, and Republican William G. Truitt, 23, a Dutchess County legislator. The district covers the southern half of Columbia County, which includes the Towns of Ancram, Claverack, Clermont, Copake, Gallatin, Germantown, Ghent, Greenport, Livingston and Taghkanic, and the City of Hudson. The district also extends southward to pick up the northern half, roughly, of Dutchess County.

Assemblymember Barrett first held office after winning a special election in early 2012. Then, following statewide redistricting, she won election later that year in a redrawn district that included more of this county. Since then she has worked hard to protect farms and farmland, to bring communities together with state agencies and utilities to solve problems and to address pressing issues like Lyme disease.

She has also worked on healthcare and to find resources to respond to the opioid crisis. She has brought new ideas to job creation and she continues to press for extending access to broadband communications in all parts of this mostly rural district.

Mr. Truitt deserves credit for stepping up to run for higher office and for his engagement in public service. But the voters of the 106th District have the opportunity to benefit from another term with Assemblymember Barrett in office. Her experience as a legislator and her responsiveness to the needs of her constituents has no equal here. On November 6th, please vote for Didi Barrett in the 106th Assembly District.