The following is a letter to the editor submitted by Canandaigua resident Margie LaTourette. If you have a letter you’d like to see published on FingerLakes1.com send it to news@fingerlakes1.com.
I am a resident of Ontario County and writing about the status of our local economy and the devastating effect it has had on our middle class (me!). The inflation rate has risen unchecked since 2020, causing soaring prices for food, gas, and homes—hitting hard those who can least afford it.
How much has the price increased for a loaf of bread, gallon of milk, a dozen eggs, and a package of chicken? 48% in 4 years, according to CBS Price Tracker. For those on fixed incomes, the social security’s modest hike only covers a fraction of that increase. How many of us have received a 48% pay raise over the last 4 years?
A key underlying factor is the price of fuel: heating, gas, diesel. According to EIA.GOV, unleaded rose 56% on average from $2.17/gallon in 2020 to now $3.39; diesel, 50%, from $2.56 to $3.84. Gas affects our travel costs, and diesel affects the cost of all goods shipped.
Remember when owning a home was part of the American Dream? According to Bankrate, over the last 4 years, interest rates have more than doubled (3.4% to 7%), and home prices have increased 50% (from an average of $290,000 to $440,000). This has driven mortgage payments up 200%! Buyers need to suffer through bidding wars and risky terms (no inspections).
We need leaders who understand the needs of the lower and middle class, who foresee trends and work hard to reduce government spending, the national debt, lower inflation, and lower interest rates, so all Americans can enjoy the American Dream once again.
Early voting starts October 26–make your vote count! Vote for Claudia Tenney, Pam Helming, Andrea Bailey, and Jeff Gallahan—our Ontario County candidates that support responsible spending and smaller government.
Margie LaTourette
Town of Canandaigua
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