Letters

Like many Americans, I am disturbed by the lack of bipartisanship in Congress. Without true bipartisanship we won’t have the mutual listening and compromise that is necessary to have a workable government.

This has not gone unnoticed by our local congressional candidates, both of whom claim the “more bipartisan” mantle.

The incumbent, Republican Nick LaLota, claims to be one of the “most bipartisan members of Congress” in terms of congressional bills co-sponsored. Examining the details of the bills, however, reveals that only one of these bills has made it into law — a bill commemorating the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corps — and none of the bills appears to be of the type that would qualify for “working across the aisle” in any significant way.

LaLota is a strong supporter of Donald Trump, who is not known for his desire, or ability, to compromise. It appears to me that if we send LaLota back to Congress we can expect more of the same.

The Democratic challenger, John Avlon, has not yet been elected to federal office and so has no congressional record to analyze. He does, however, have a history that indicates that he would be a thoughtful and open-minded congressman.

He co-founded a bipartisan group called “No Labels,” has researched and written on the impact of extremists on American politics, and is a self-described centrist. He has also written two relevant books, “Wingnuts: Extremism in the Age of Obama” and “How the Best Did It: Leadership Lessons From Our Top Presidents,” and was a senior news analyst and guest anchor at CNN, the latter giving him access into Washington, D.C., politics beyond that of an outsider.

Mr. Avlon will be a voice for reason and compromise, which we badly need. I support him.

Tip Brolin

Water Mill