I have spent most of my adult life in public service. I have been a Republican county legislator and treasurer and, for the last five years, the representative from the 114th Assembly District. The people I represent put their faith and trust in me to make the difficult decisions on issues where passions run high. Doing the right thing takes the courage of one’s convictions.
In 2007, my first year in Albany, the bill to allow the freedom to marry was debated for the first time in this state’s history. As a candidate for office, I advocated for civil unions. When it came time to cast my vote, I voted against the same-sex marriage bill. The debate and testimony of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle was compelling and I was deeply moved. After the vote, I said that I would continue to study this issue, meet with my constituents and keep an open mind.
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Photo: New York state assembly woman, Janet Duprey