To the editor:

In the past few days, Democratic congressional candidate George Latimer has been ubiquitous in Pelham, greeting residents outside local businesses, attending community events and spending time at the local train station. But Latimer’s relentless presence is not unique to Pelham—he’s been just as active in every other town in our congressional district. As the current Westchester County executive, Latimer’s responsibilities are staggering, with nearly one million constituents to represent. Yet, he still manages to be everywhere.

Latimer’s tireless efforts are driven by a desire to connect with voters and understand their concerns. He believes that politics is about rolling up his sleeves and getting to work, rather than seeking attention for publicity’s sake. As county executive, Latimer has demonstrated the effectiveness of this approach, delivering numerous accomplishments, including the construction of Memorial Field in Mount Vernon, banning gun shows on county property and reducing taxes while increasing services.

In contrast, his opponent Jamaal Bowman’s approach is strikingly different. Despite acknowledging the importance of connecting with voters, Bowman is rarely seen in our towns or nearby communities. In fact, many Pelham residents, including my husband, have reported receiving no response from Bowman when they reached out to him directly. Instead, Bowman has been more focused on generating headlines and social media buzz, often through controversial stunts like pulling a fire alarm. To me, we have enough of that today in our politics.

As Westchester County Board of Legislators Majority Leader Tyrae Woodson-Samuels noted, “George Latimer has delivered for the people of Westchester County, while Jamaal Bowman has a brand of politics that appeals more to getting clicks and likes.” Another individual who has worked with both Latimer and Bowman described Latimer as a “workhorse” and Bowman as a “show horse.” I believe that a workhorse like George Latimer is exactly what our district needs. I encourage Democrats to join me in voting for him for Congress in the primary on June 25.

Mercedes Maldonado

214 Sixth Ave.