Recently, state Sen. Darrel Aubertine voted in favor of Gov. David Paterson's property tax cap. Prior to voting for Gov. Paterson's solution to the property tax problem, he promoted another strategy to address New York's burgeoning deficit. When that measure failed, Sen. Aubertine then voted, along with 38 other senators, for what he thought was the next best solution for New York.

For that vote, the New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) is going to withhold its endorsement and monetary support and will no doubt do their best to punish him and work for his defeat at the polls in November. Sen. Aubertine should wear NYSUT's condemnation as a badge of honor. His vote sends a clear message to special-interest groups trying to muscle their individual organizational agendas upon the people. Yes, I welcome your support and even your money, but I am not for sale - I cannot be bought.

Regretfully, American electoral politics is not the politics of the people, but of constituencies. It is the cobbling together of constituencies based on narrow single-issue interests. These conglomerations of single issues - special interests - are often not in the overall public interest and yet they lead to electoral victory. Is there any wonder little of lasting value comes out of Albany or Washington?

Like all special interests, NYSUT has put its own interests before those of the general population. They have taken the immediate short-term view - we want our money and we want it now. Sen. Aubertine has taken the responsible view of a policymaker and realizes that as the highest-taxed state in the nation, we are losing our young people to other locales. In the long term, that means fewer children and therefore a decreased need for teachers. In essence, by casting a responsible vote, Sen. Aubertine has saved NYSUT's members jobs. Instead of chastising him, they should thank him.

For that courage, Darrel has earned my support and respect. When tried in the crucible of integrity, he has honored the office and the trust that we have placed in him.

Robert Johnson

Sackets Harbor