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mailmanTo the Editor,

I write this letter as a former overweight American who woke up every morning for 43 years knowing I faced another day of embarrassment and discrimination because of my size. Millions of overweight individuals face this everyday.

Five years ago I became very ill and had to have a kidney removed.  I had out-of-control diabetes and sky high blood pressure and cholesterol.

Two years ago, I chose to undergo gastric bypass surgery, just like our Congressman Tom Reed who was also experiencing health problems.

Tom and I share this experience and we both made a decision for our future and our families. This was a life changing decision and I’m happy to say that Congressman Reed has lost 110 pounds and has added decades to his life, just like I have. I’m down 170 pounds and my health problems no longer exist.

I was surprised to see Martha Robertson’s recent attack ad running against Tom, which shows several photos of the Congressman taken prior to his surgery.

I became angered and outraged that the Robertson campaign would resort to such low levels of negativity towards Tom Reed. This put an unfair focus on a health condition that so many of our citizens face every day.

It’s clear that Martha Robertson is trying to paint Tom’s past health conditions in a negative light and influence voters based on his former physical appearance.

This type of campaigning is hurtful and disgraceful and it should not be tolerated. Let’s focus campaigns on the issues that matter most, not someone’s past health conditions. I’m proud of my life changing decision, and I’m proud of Tom Reed for taking control and adding years to his life.

Rodney J. Strange
Chemung County Legislator
15th Legislative District
Elmira, NY
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