Restaino taught me about courage

Bob Restaino

Over the years I have written many letters in support of candidates for public office. However, when expressing my support for a candidate for the New York State Assembly, I feel the individual must possess a unique set of personal and professional qualities.

I’ve known Robert Restaino for most of his life, since he was a former student of mine. Bob has always believed that while the purpose of government is to provide its stakeholders with more opportunity, it must also provide them with valuable choices and be sensitive to their aspirations. Bob believes that if we are to succeed in the 21st Century, then state government must assist in providing opportunities that will enable us to be highly competitive.

Most importantly, I’ve known Bob since he was a teenager; I can honestly say I have first-hand knowledge of his personal qualities. My experience as a classroom teacher has led me to believe that a young person who shows respect in school and understands the role of authority in society grows up to be a pretty level-headed adult. If you’re lucky, you see that former student take a leadership role in his or her society and defend those values he or she displayed throughout their youth.

Bob Restaino did that for our community. He took it upon himself to defend us in this fight against disrespect for authority and suffered pretty serious consequences for his efforts.

Bob Restaino wasn’t afraid of being intimidated then and he won’t be intimidated by his opponent’s campaign as it launches a vicious personal attack against him.

As a teacher, I always knew when my students didn’t know the subject matter. They would take words and phrases out of context, and try to pass them off as facts. We’re probably going to see more of just this type of phony argument against Bob as we get closer to Election Day. I’m not going to take it. My former student taught me what courage is all about. I’m voting for Robert Restaino to represent me in the State Assembly.