My name is Tricia Trippe, and I help my 75-year-old father manage the rental property where I grew up. It is his only rental property, and he depends almost entirely on that income to support himself. He is also battling cancer and other health issues, making our recent experience with tenant Marisa McClinton particularly devastating.
Marisa, now a Democratic candidate for the Plattekill Legislature, moved into our property in 2024. Problems began almost immediately when her first rent check was returned. Soon afterward, we experienced repeated disturbances involving police visits, sometimes several nights a week. Our home was egged, and windows on Marisa’s vehicle were broken.
We also heard allegations from local parents concerning teenagers drinking alcohol and using marijuana at the property. Although we cannot independently verify those claims, they contributed to our concerns.
Collecting rent became an ongoing struggle. Payments frequently arrived in installments, and despite our own financial difficulties, we repeatedly tried to accommodate her. We forgave portions of outstanding balances, allowed payments to carry over, and temporarily reduced the rent on multiple occasions. We genuinely wanted to help her get back on track.
Unfortunately, those efforts were unsuccessful. From March through approximately mid-September 2026, meaningful rent payments largely stopped, leaving my father facing substantial financial losses.
Additional problems included the heating oil supply repeatedly running out, resulting in damage to the water heater and further expenses. For a 75-year-old man battling cancer and depending on this income, the financial consequences have been especially painful.
By August 2026, after months of unsuccessful attempts to resolve the situation, I retained an attorney to begin eviction proceedings.
During this process, I discovered two GoFundMe campaigns associated with Marisa. One reportedly raised more than $4,000 toward moving expenses related to the rental property. Given the unpaid rent, I believe the circumstances surrounding those fundraising efforts deserve closer examination.
I subsequently learned that Marisa was seeking public office.
As a liberal Democrat myself, I want to emphasize that this is not politically motivated. I support the Democratic Party, which makes this situation even more troubling.
My concern is about personal responsibility, financial accountability, and the judgment we should expect from individuals seeking to represent taxpayers.
I recognize that financial hardship or a landlord-tenant dispute alone should not disqualify someone from public office. However, I believe the circumstances surrounding this tenancy, the unpaid financial obligations, and the impact on my father’s well-being deserve public scrutiny.
Voters have a right to know how candidates conduct themselves in their personal financial dealings, particularly when those dealings significantly affect others.
I am willing to provide documentation of rental payments, communications, eviction proceedings, and the publicly available fundraising information.
My father deserved better, and voters deserve the opportunity to make an informed decision.
Sincerely,
Tricia Trippe
