POPULAR POL Former nurse Aileen Gunther took over her late husband Jake Gunther’s seat in the New York State Assembly in 2003 and has served the citizens of the 100th District ever since. She will once again be on Tuesday’s ballot, running unopposed. Manor Ink file photo
Election 2020
Everyone’s favorite candidate, running again
Gunther, unopposed, shares her views with the Ink
By Art Steinhauer | Manor Ink Mentor
Livingston Manor, NY – Democrat Aileen Gunther is running for re-election as New York State Assembly Representative for the 100th District, representing Sullivan County and parts of Ulster County, including Middletown. First elected in November 2003, Gunther is once again running without opposition.
Manor Ink asked Gunther how she managed to stay apart from the nastiness that now seems to pervade elections all across the country? She said that she and her staff work hard to serve all their constituents. “We want to be part of the community, so if someone has a problem with heating or food or shelter, we are there to help. Or if a small businessman needs help dealing with a state agency, we try to assist in any way.”
“We should realize that we can have philosophical or political differences, but it need not get ugly.”
Gunther only talks about her accomplishments and does not attack anyone. “We should realize that we can have philosophical or political differences, but it need not get ugly. There are disagreements in all families, but we also put those differences aside.” She added, “I think what politicians do can be a noble service, and I hope your generation will never see what is happening in Washington, DC, and elsewhere again.”
As for what she hopes to accomplish in her next term, Gunther said she would like to put more emphasis on improving public education by allocating more tax dollars to schools. “But those funds should not come from more local taxes on homeowners,” she said.
Improvements would include better broadband access and computer equipment for students who need those resources. Gunther said that public transportation is also important, citing the bus service Sullivan County has started as important to many people. She would also like to see “better and more fair access to healthcare for all.”
Representative Gunther thanked the Ink’s student reporters for being interested in government and “keeping everyone informed.” She extended an open invitation to visit Albany when it’s safe to do so to see the legislature at work. Gunther knows she could help, and she would like her constituents to help, too.
Reporters Michelle Adams-Thomas and Zach Dertinger helped with this story.