To my husband, Matt Slater, this community is family

Dear Editor,

If you asked my husband, Matthew Slater, what he is most proud of in this world, he would answer without a moment’s hesitation: "My family."

But anyone who has spent even a few minutes talking with Matt quickly realizes that his definition of "family" reaches far beyond our front door. It encompasses so much more than just me, our children, Charlie and Elizabeth, and his mom Kathy. To Matt, his community — the people of the 94th Assembly District — is his family. Serving as your New York State Assemblyman isn't just a title to him; it is a calling he carries in his heart every single day.

Public service in this day and age is a heavy road to walk. People often ask me, "How do you manage it all — the intense pressures, the long trips to Albany, and the constant scrutiny?"

The answer is simple: We do it for our children, and for yours.

It isn’t always easy, and it certainly comes with sacrifice. But knowing the depth of my husband's character makes it entirely worth it. Matt is, at his core, the kindest, most honest, and hardest-working man I have ever known. Even after his most exhausting days, when the weight of the world seems to be on his shoulders, he walks through our front door with a genuine smile. His joy comes from helping people, standing up for what is right, and truly being there for his neighbors.

There is no one quite like him, and while it isn't always easy to share him with the world, it fills my heart with an overwhelming sense of pride.

Abraham Lincoln once said, "I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives. I like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him." I see those words come to life in Matt every single day.

He inspires me constantly. His selfless dedication to his community is second to none, but what moves me most is that he always, without fail, puts the needs of his "family" first.

Charlie, Elizabeth, and I love him completely, support him every step of the way, and are so deeply grateful to walk this beautiful, challenging journey by his side.

-Kellie Slater (along with Charlie and Elizabeth), Yorktown Heights