Here’s a letter I wrote to the Skaneateles Journal regarding the local race for Congress:

I’m sure I’m not alone in viewing the two candidates for the 24th District seat in Congress and thinking, “Really? Is this the best we can do? I’d make a better member of Congress than these two!”

Both the incumbent, Dan Maffei, and his challenger, John Katko, leave much to be desired. Mr. Maffei is a creature of Washington and a milquetoast backbencher.

One need look no further at his qualification for office than his recent ad attacking Mr. Katko for a now irrelevant issue over a gun. It’s petty, misleading and does the one thing politicians like best — it ignores the issues important in the race.

If you want an oily cog in the Democratic Party machine, by all means, vote for Mr. Maffei.

But Mr. Katko fares no better. His policy positions represent the worst of troglodytic religious fundamentalism and shameless corporate pandering. His “aw shucks, I’m not a scientist” lack of concern for the environment should be disqualifying on its own.

His campaign page touts his love of the Finger Lakes, but his actual policy positions would allow oil and gas companies to jeopardize these natural resources that are critical to providing thousands of people with safe drinking water.

A plague on both their houses.

This year, I’m voting for someone I can trust by taking advantage of the write-in option on the ballot. I’m voting for myself since I think I could do a better job than these two. I encourage everyone who is equally disgusted to join me.

Harrumph.