Letter from Kathleen Taylor

It’s Time for a Change

As you think about casting your vote in our local, county and state races, I hope you will consider where we are now compared to a year ago. I hope you will consider how we got here.

A gallon of gas costs $1.50 more than it did in October 2025. That’s an extra $18.00-$20.00 per average fill-up. Why? Because President Trump started a war in Iran and the Republicans won’t hold him accountable and get us out.

Heating and electric costs are through the roof. Last winter, heating oil was $3.50/gallon; now it’s easily $6.00/gallon. Again, this is because of the Republicans’ ill-considered war. How are people going to heat their homes and feed their kids? Why are we looking at data centers when we can’t afford current electric costs?

Otsego County’s cost share of food assistance is going to double and people are going to lose access to the SNAP program. Why? Because the Republicans passed the so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025, and that’s what it says to do: cut access and cut federal funding.

Farmers are struggling with diesel costs. Over $6.00/gallon! Food costs are higher every week, and it isn’t because the farmers are reaping big bucks. They are not. They are hurting. We are all hurting.

Congress is barely in session, and no Republicans are speaking out against this. It’s time for a change. It’s time to vote for change.

Kathleen Taylor
Cherry Valley