All nine legislators will be up for re-election in November. As challengers announce their decision to run in the respective districts, the Democrat will run briefs about them. More in-depth articles will take place as we get closer to Election Day.

THOMPSON – Running for legislature has been something Town of Thompson resident Joanne Jasper says she has thought about for awhile. 

Jasper, a Republican and sixth generation Sullivan County native, resides in what will be the new District 2. Democrat Nadia Rajsz is currently the legislator representing the constituents of the County’s second legislative district. Rajsz has already stated that she is running for re-election.

Jasper has been employed in the County Clerk’s office for around five years and worked in Public Health as a senior account clerk for almost six years before that. Jasper also spent 20 years working as a teacher’s aide/teaching assistant in special education at the Monticello Central School District. 

Having been rooted in this area, Jasper said that watching what is going on, she feels like she needs to do something. She also feels there should be more women in politics.

Family also serves as a motivating factor.

“My three children are here,” said Jasper, adding that the oldest is a school counselor at Sullivan West, the middle one is the acting athletic director at Monticello and the youngest is a contractor in Rock Hill.  “And I have my five grandchildren. I want to try my best to make [Sullivan County] better for them.”