Congressional candidates go before cameras
ALBANY – Improving the North Country’s economy, addressing veterans’ needs and assisting struggling farms were among the topics in the first of three scheduled debates among candidates for New York’s 21st Congressional District seat.
Incumbent Republican Elise Stefanik of Willsboro, who is seeking her second term, squared off against Democrat Mike Derrick, a retired Army colonel from Peru, and Green Party candidate Matt Funiciello, a bread company owner and political activist from Hudson Falls.
The debate was taped Monday afternoon at Time Warner Cable News studio in Albany and broadcast later in the evening. It was moderated by “Capital Tonight” host Liz Benjamin, along with Time Warner Cable North Country reporters Brian Dwyer and Matt Hunter.
—
Jobs
The candidates were asked what they would do to create jobs, especially in the economically depressed areas of the North Country – Oswego and St. Lawrence counties – which have two of the highest unemployment rates in the state.
Funiciello said he opposes corporate bailouts, such as the nearly $70 million that Alcoa received to save union jobs at the roughly 600-worker aluminum plant in Massena. He said he does not think the government should be in the business of propping up businesses.
Stefanik said generations of residents have worked at Alcoa. She believes that area needs to capitalize more on its proximity to Canada, which she said is an attractive proposition for businesses and manufacturers.
She also said she supports increased tourism through “pre-clearance” in which Canadian tourists could be screened ahead of time. She also would like to work with the local colleges, including community colleges, so they can meet the needs of businesses.
Derrick said the federal government needs to invest more in infrastructure. He favors creating a national infrastructure bank, where the federal government would put in seed money and leverage private funds to spur projects.
“Invest in infrastructure in our own country, so we have the means to produce and means to create jobs,” he said.
—
Agriculture
The struggling farming economy also was a hot topic. Jefferson County recently was declared a disaster area by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Stefanik said her office worked to ensure the county received that designation after fielding calls about how costly it was for farmers to haul water. She said the farms also need to have a supply of labor. She is supportive of a three-to-five-year visa program for farm workers.
“The farmers knew they could call my office and we would go to work with USDA,” she said.
Derrick said the United States has ignored the needs of the local farmers.
“We have favored the large corporate agriculture farm, and we’ve favored crops other than the ones that we have here,” he said.
Funiciello said the country is ignoring the root issue of climate change and the resources used to grow meat and dairy products.
“Only the Greens are having this conversation,” he said.
—
Trade
Trade was also another issue. All three candidates oppose the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a pact between the United States and 11 other nations that would eliminate more than 18,000 tariffs on U.S. imported goods.
Derrick criticized Stefanik for her vote in favor of Trade Promotion Authority, the so-called “fast track” that allows the administration to negotiate trade deals that then head to Congress for an up or down vote.
“That freezes out the voice of our elected officials,” he said.
Funiciello said trade deals have led to “wage slavery” in other countries, where people work 80 hours a week making goods that just as easily could be made in the United States.
“Back out of the trade deals – all of them,” he said. “We don’t have to be isolationist to have fair trade.”
Stefanik said Trade Promotion Authority ensures that Congress will have a voice in any trade deal. She said she wished that President Barack Obama had negotiated a better agreement. She said she is concerned about some provisions in the Trans-Pacific Partnership regarding dairy goods, environmental standards and currency manipulation by other nations. She criticized Derrick, who she said muddied the issue.
“Mike Derrick actually had to correct his first ad because he didn’t know the difference between TPA and TPP,” she said.
—
Broadband
Stefanik and Derrick said they are in favor of expanding broadband access into the North Country. Funiciello cited the peacefulness of the area and said he does not want to see “forever wild” land turned over to cell towers.
“One of the things I find most wonderful about the Adirondacks is my phone does not work most of the time,” he said, adding he is more worried about government surveillance of citizens’ activity on the internet.
Stefanik said she has introduced legislation to allow farmers to have first priority when it comes to applying for federal grants for broadband internet.
Derrick said he lives in an area that does not have access to broadband and said the federal government needs to make investments.
—
Veterans
Veterans’ issues were another focus, as the 21st Congressional District is home to a large number of veterans. Stefanik said she has been able to help veterans in the district claim more than $1 million worth of benefits they were owed.
She said the Department of Veterans Affairs should use technology to streamline the process of seeking benefits. She does not support privatization but said veterans should have the option of accessing health care at a local provider.
Derrick, whose wife is also a veteran, said he supports the creation of more community-based outpatient clinics where veterans can get health services.
Funiciello is advocating for a “Medicare for all” option for health care. The United States subsidizes health care in the amount of $6,000 per person, but other countries only spend $4,200 and get far better outcomes, he said.
—
Terrorism
Stefanik and Derrick both supported increased use of social media to fight homegrown extremism, where citizens have been exposed to radical propaganda from terrorist groups.
Stefanik pointed out that the suspect in the New York and New Jersey bombings, and the Orlando nightclub shooter, had both been on the terror watch list and cleared. She said she opposes Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump’s proposal to ban immigrants from areas of the world with a history of terrorism.
Derrick said the United States is using military, financial and other tools at its disposal to combat terrorism.
Funiciello said the United States is seen as the “empire,” with 900 military bases around the world, and it is imposing its will throughout the world.
“Terrorism in other countries that has come home to roost in the United States doesn’t get created in a vacuum,” he said.
On immigration, Derrick said Congress has failed to deal with the 11 million undocumented people already living in this country. He has lived in New Mexico and Texas and has seen their contributions up close.
“When you live in those places, it’s abundantly clear that they’re an integral part of that society,” he said.
Funiciello said walls are not the answer. He said people are crossing the border because of poverty and the violence created by drug cartels. He said he is in favor of decriminalizing all drugs and dealing with the issue as a substance abuse problem.
Stefanik said she does not support amnesty but said the district needs to reform its border security and revamp the program for high-tech and agricultural visas.
—
Tax returns
The candidates were also asked about the issue of Trump’s tax returns. A New York Times story, citing leaked Trump tax returns, reported that Trump had filed a loss of more than $900 million – a move that some analysts have said could have allowed him not to pay taxes for many years.
Stefanik pointed out what Trump did was entirely legal and said it is an opportunity to talk about reforming the tax code, which she supports.
“Our tax code is over 70,000 pages long and it is riddled with special-interest loopholes,” she said.
Derrick said the code needs to be rewritten so people pay their fair share.
“The fact that Donald Trump didn’t potentially pay taxes for 18 years shows the system is rigged,” he said.
Funiciello said the major parties are not going far enough. He favors a flat tax of 10 percent, with a 3 percent wealth tax on people who earn more than $10 million.
—
Qualifications
The candidates summed up their qualifications.
Funiciello said he is fighting for a $15-an-hour minimum wage and to divert some of the money the United States spends on the military to projects at home. The Green Party offers a different choice.
“We are the party of common sense,” he said. “We are the party that wishes to give voice to the workers of this world.”
Stefanik said she has worked on policies to help small businesses and manufacturers thrive, has focused on constituent services, and has been transparent in posting her votes and activities on Facebook.
“When I ran for this office, I promised that I would work my hardest,” she said. “I am so proud that I have kept that promise.”
Derrick said he has a lifetime of public service.
“Congress should be about public service,” he said. “It shouldn’t be about careerism. It shouldn’t be about partisanship. It should be about delivering results.”
The candidates will debate again Oct. 17 at SUNY Adirondack in Queensbury, which will be conducted by the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce. Another debate, on Oct. 24, will be televised on Mountain Lakes PBS.
—
(Editor’s note: Four daily newspapers in the North Country – the Enterprise, Post-Star of Glens Falls, Watertown Daily Times and Press-Republican of Plattsburgh – are sharing content to better cover New York’s 21st Congressional District.)
Congressional candidates go before cameras
ALBANY – Improving the North Country’s economy, addressing veterans’ needs and assisting struggling farms were among the topics in the first of three scheduled debates among candidates for New York’s 21st Congressional District seat.
Incumbent Republican Elise Stefanik of Willsboro, who is seeking her second term, squared off against Democrat Mike Derrick, a retired Army colonel from Peru, and Green Party candidate Matt Funiciello, a bread company owner and political activist from Hudson Falls.
The debate was taped Monday afternoon at Time Warner Cable News studio in Albany and broadcast later in the evening. It was moderated by “Capital Tonight” host Liz Benjamin, along with Time Warner Cable North Country reporters Brian Dwyer and Matt Hunter.
–
Jobs
The candidates were asked what they would do to create jobs, especially in the economically depressed areas of the North Country – Oswego and St. Lawrence counties – which have two of the highest unemployment rates in the state.
Funiciello said he opposes corporate bailouts, such as the nearly $70 million that Alcoa received to save union jobs at the roughly 600-worker aluminum plant in Massena. He said he does not think the government should be in the business of propping up businesses.
Stefanik said generations of residents have worked at Alcoa. She believes that area needs to capitalize more on its proximity to Canada, which she said is an attractive proposition for businesses and manufacturers.
She also said she supports increased tourism through “pre-clearance” in which Canadian tourists could be screened ahead of time. She also would like to work with the local colleges, including community colleges, so they can meet the needs of businesses.
Derrick said the federal government needs to invest more in infrastructure. He favors creating a national infrastructure bank, where the federal government would put in seed money and leverage private funds to spur projects.
“Invest in infrastructure in our own country, so we have the means to produce and means to create jobs,” he said.
–
Agriculture
The struggling farming economy also was a hot topic. Jefferson County recently was declared a disaster area by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Stefanik said her office worked to ensure the county received that designation after fielding calls about how costly it was for farmers to haul water. She said the farms also need to have a supply of labor. She is supportive of a three- to five-year visa program for farm workers.
“The farmers knew they could call my office and we would go to work with USDA,” she said.
Derrick said the United States has ignored the needs of the local farmers.
“We have favored the large corporate agriculture farm, and we’ve favored crops other than the ones that we have here,” he said.
Funiciello said the country is ignoring the root issue of climate change and the resources used to grow meat and dairy products.
“Only the Greens are having this conversation,” he said.
–
Trade
Trade was also another issue. All three candidates oppose the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a pact between the United States and 11 other nations that would eliminate more than 18,000 tariffs on U.S. imported goods.
Derrick criticized Stefanik for her vote in favor of Trade Promotion Authority, the so-called “fast track” that allows the administration to negotiate trade deals that then head to Congress for an up or down vote.
“That freezes out the voice of our elected officials,” he said.
Funiciello said trade deals have led to “wage slavery” in other countries, where workers work 80 hours a week making goods that just as easily could be made in the United States.
“Back out of the trade deals – all of them,” he said. “We don’t have to be isolationist to have fair trade.”
Stefanik said Trade Promotion Authority ensures that Congress will have a voice in any trade deal. She said wished that President Barack Obama had negotiated a better agreement. She said she is concerned about some provisions in the Trans-Pacific Partnership regarding dairy goods, environmental standards and currency manipulation by other nations. She criticized Derrick, who she said muddied the issue.
“Mike Derrick actually had to correct his first ad because he didn’t know the difference between TPA and TPP,” she said.
–
Broadband
Stefanik and Derrick said they are in favor of expanding broadband access into the North Country. Funiciello cited the peacefulness of the area and said he does not want to see “forever wild” land turned over to cell towers.
“One of the things I find most wonderful about the Adirondacks is my phone does not work most of the time,” he said, adding he is more worried about government surveillance of citizens’ activity on the internet.
Stefanik said she has introduced legislation to allow farmers to have first priority when it comes to applying for federal grants for broadband internet.
Derrick said he lives in an area that does not have access to broadband and said the federal government needs to make investments.
–
Veterans
Veterans’ issues were another focus, as the 21st Congressional District is home to a large number of veterans. Stefanik said she has been able to help veterans in the district claim more than $1 million worth of benefits they were owed.
She said the Department of Veterans Affairs should use technology to streamline the process of seeking benefits. She does not support privatization but said veterans should have the option of accessing health care at a local provider.
Derrick, whose wife is also a veteran, said he supports the creation of more community-based outpatient clinics where veterans can get health services.
Funiciello is advocating for a “Medicare for all” option for health care. The United States subsidizes health care in the amount of $6,000 per person, but other countries only spend $4,200 and get far better outcomes, he said.
–
Terrorism
Stefanik and Derrick both supported increase use of social media to fight homegrown extremism, where citizens have been exposed to radical propaganda from terrorist groups.
Stefanik pointed out that the suspect in the New York and New Jersey bombings, and the Orlando nightclub shooter, had both been on the terror watch list and cleared. She said she opposes Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump’s proposal to ban immigrants from areas of the world with a history of terrorism.
Derrick said the United States is using military, financial and other tools at its disposal to combat terrorism.
Funiciello said the United States is seen as the “empire,” with 900 military bases around the world, and it is imposing its will throughout the world.
“Terrorism in other countries that has come home to roost in the United States doesn’t get created in a vacuum,” he said.
On immigration, Derrick said Congress has failed to deal with the 11 million undocumented people already living in this country. He has lived in New Mexico and Texas and has seen their contributions up close.
“When you live in those places, it’s abundantly clear that they’re an integral part of that society,” he said.
Funiciello said walls are not the answer. He said people are crossing the border because of poverty and the violence created by drug cartels. He said he is in favor of decriminalizing all drugs and dealing with the issue as a substance abuse problem.
Stefanik said she does not support amnesty but said the district needs to reform its border security and revamp the program for high-tech and agricultural visas.
–
Tax returns
The candidates were also asked about the issue of Trump’s tax returns. A New York Times story, citing leaked Trump tax returns, reported that Trump had filed a loss of more than $900 million – a move that some analysts have said could have allowed him not to pay taxes for many years.
Stefanik pointed out what Trump did was entirely legal and said it is an opportunity to talk about reforming the tax code, which she supports.
“Our tax code is over 70,000 pages long and it is riddled with special-interest loopholes,” she said.
Derrick said the code needs to be rewritten so people pay their fair share.
“The fact that Donald Trump didn’t potentially pay taxes for 18 years shows the system is rigged,” he said.
Funiciello said the major parties are not going far enough. He favors a flat tax of 10 percent, with a 3 percent wealth tax on people who earn more than $10 million.
–
Qualifications
The candidates summed up their qualifications.
Funiciello said he is fighting for a $15-an-hour minimum wage and to divert some of the money the United States spends on the military to projects at home. The Green Party offers a different choice.
“We are the party of common sense,” he said. “We are the party that wishes to give voice to the workers of this world.”
Stefanik said she has worked on policies to help small businesses and manufacturers thrive, has focused on constituent services, and has been transparent in posting her votes and activities on Facebook.
“When I ran for this office, I promised that I would work my hardest,” she said. “I am so proud that I have kept that promise.”
Derrick said he has a lifetime of public service.
“Congress should be about public service,” he said. “It shouldn’t be about careerism. It shouldn’t be about partisanship. It should be about delivering results.”
The candidates will debate again Oct. 17 at SUNY Adirondack in Queensbury, which will be conducted by the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce. Another debate, on Oct. 24, will be televised on Mountain Lakes PBS.
—
(Editor’s note: Four daily newspapers in the North Country – the Enterprise, Post-Star of Glens Falls, Watertown Daily Times and Press-Republican of Plattsburgh – are sharing content to better cover New York’s 21st Congressional District.)
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