I haven't been a political party member for 40 years. I find too much party bias that promotes people to believe they don't have to think in order to vote right. But with this election, I support and admire Richard Hanna's candidacy for our District 24, U.S. House of Representatives.

Mr. Hanna presents us with an informed and close-to-home knowledge of our district's people. He sees our region's dependence on auto commuting and home heating oil which will at best, change slowly over the next two decades. He knows that a reliable, domestic oil industry is the first order of business for central New York and he will represent this.

I contrast his views to our current congressman's dutiful obedience to his party's order when he walked out of a congressional session to stop debate and avoid a vote on a domestic drilling bill. No discussion, no vote, end of conversation. What can be more destructive to an effective democracy than this type of lock-step party obedience?

For many years, we returned Sherry Boehlert to Washington. He was known for not following party orders when his district's interest -- our interest - was not served. Our current freshman congressman is too connected to national and downstate financial and political support to represent us.

Richard Hanna is a local man who succeeded in local business and put a notable portion of his financial success into establishing support funds for local people who need a hand, especially for struggling women. He is financially beholding to no one and clear-headed about the people and place he will represent.

Anthony Scalici

Cooperstown