WHITE LAKE – Recently elected United States Congressman Marcus Molinaro (NY-19) held a Town Hall at the former Duggan School in the hamlet of White Lake on Wednesday, making this stop his second as he continues his circuit of town halls in each of the 11 counties in the district.

The casual question-and-answer style event, which drew a crowd of residents from all around the county, was moderated by Sullivan County Undersheriff Eric Chaboty.

A brief self-introduction was given by Congressman Molinaro, highlighting his long standing career as a politician which began when he was elected mayor of his hometown of Tivoli at 18 years old. Before being elected to U.S. Congress, Molinaro had served as Dutchess County Executive for 12 years, holding over 275 similar town hall events during his tenure.

As a freshman in Congress, Molinaro was assigned three committees, the House Committee on Agriculture, the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure, and the House Committee on Small Business. He was also named Chairman of the House Small Business Committee’s Subcommittee on Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Workforce Development.

Concluding his introductions, Molinaro stated that he believes that “when the roof leaks, it leaks on Republicans and Democrats alike,” and that the work of elected officials have a direct impact on the people they are representing.

Q&A period

One attendee opened up the Q&A with an inquiry on whether Molinaro will express support for federally funded nutrition and other food support systems, especially education programs involving providing boxed breakfasts and lunches for students in need.

Molinaro shared with the crowd that he is a son of divorced parents, and that growing up he and his family relied on similar federal programs, including food stamps. Saying that he knows the value of keeping children fed, he would work to show the support necessary to keep food accessible.

“I know the value of access [to] a good meal. A hungry child can’t learn, can’t grow,” Molinaro said.

One representative of GrowingSOUL – Sustainable Opportunities for Universal Learning – spoke to Molinaro on the non-profit’s programs relating to food security and zero waste. They went on to tell the Congressman of their desire to have possible incentives that might increase food donations and other eco-friendly options for food disposal, as well as their Earth Defenders workforce development and internship program.

Nadia Rajsz, Sullivan County Legislator for District 2, brought up the ongoing struggle in Ukraine as the Russian invasion continues, urging the Congressman’s support for the U.S. to maintain their commitment to assisting the people of Ukraine. Additionally, Rajsz spoke on the need for the United States to hold Russia accountable for their actions against their neighboring nation.

Wendy Brown, co-chair of the Sullivan County Drug Task Force, spoke to Molinaro about the ongoing county-wide struggles involving the use of opioids, synthetic drugs, and other illegal substances. 

Molinaro responded by saying that putting money towards tackling the issues involving harmful drug use now would be financially smart for the future, as taking those steps in the present helps the long term solutions, which in turn would save money and save lives.

Gun control

The topic of gun control, specifically that relating to assault rifles, was brought up by Mickie Diamond, alongside her husband, former leader of the Tree of Life Synagogue of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Rabbi Chuck Diamond.

The two shared their frustration and personal history in dealing with gun violence linked to hate. Just a few months after Rabbi Diamond had retired from his leadership role at Tree of Life, 11 people were shot and killed in an act of anti-semitism on October 27, 2018, while they were in attendance at the synagogue in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh. 

Although they reached the conclusion that there would be disagreements between Molinaro and Diamond regarding the issues of gun control, as Molinaro said the “Constitution is very clear” on the right to bear arms, the Congressman noted that anti-semitism is reaching a new all-time high in America that is fueled by ignorance and hate. He went on to say that it needs to be toned down.

A handful of other Sullivan County natives raised awareness of other topics that were shared with Congressman Molinaro, including seeking possible further assistance in recruitment and retention of volunteer firefighters, and acquiring grant applications and other financial assistance for local volunteer fire departments in the county, as well as access to affordable and dependable childcare, senior services, and healthcare services within Sullivan County.