THOMPSON – In anticipation of Election Day on November 8, candidates running for New York’s 100th Assembly District and the 51st State Senate District took the stage for a debate jointly hosted by Bold Gold Media Group and the Sullivan County Democrat at the Kartrite Resort and Indoor Waterpark on Tuesday, October 11. 

The debates were hosted and moderated by Bold Gold Media News Director Mike Sakell and Sullivan County Democrat Managing Editor Joseph Abraham. 

Prior to the candidates taking the stage, a meet-and-greet mixer event allowed those running for office to interact with Sullivan County residents, local leaders and potential voters.

First to take the stage to debate their stances on various topics and issues and compete for the candidacy for the 51st Senate District seat was Republican Party candidate and incumbent Senator Peter Oberacker and Democratic Party candidate and challenger Eric Ball.

Where do they stand?

After a short self-introduction from both Senator Oberacker and Ball, the two candidates were asked a series of questions from the moderators and the crowd regarding their opinions on various issues that impact Sullivan County and the surrounding area. 

A response to their opponent’s answer was allotted after each question was asked.

Abortion

With the recent overturning of the landmark US Supreme Court case Roe v Wade, which guaranteed women the right to abortion services, the candidates were asked their opinion on the topic.

Senator Oberacker told the crowd that he is a “right-to-life individual,” but is open to discussion on special conditions where an abortion may be necessary, such as in cases of incest, rape, and if there is a danger to the mother’s health and safety. 

Challenger Ball responded to Senator Oberacker’s comment, stating he is “unequivocally in support of a person’s right to choose.”

Bail Reform

New York State bail reform legislation was introduced in 2019. Senator Peter Oberacker called the legislation “a disaster.”

Oberacker stated that cashless bail has had a negative effect on communities throughout New York, and that the legislation should be repealed.

Ball responded saying that repeal is an impractical solution and that it is not going to happen. Ball went on to say that giving judges more discretion over cases against people who have been charged with serious crimes would be a step in the right direction.

Economic stimulants

Ball answered the moderators’ question regarding economic policies and ideas that could assist in alleviating constituent’s economic woes, stating that there must be further attraction of new business to the area with better paying jobs. 

Ball also stated he wants to crack down on greedy corporations and take a stand against big oil companies who have made “record breaking profits” in recent months.

In his response, Oberacker told the crowd that he is a businessman himself and had previously moved his company from Texas to New York because his hometown “needed a jumpstart.” 

He went on to say that the business mandates passed down from Albany are “stifling and constricting” – and that it needs to change.

Healthcare,  Mental Health,  Opioid Crisis

Sullivan County currently ranks as the second-to-worst of the 62 counties in New York State regarding rates of overdoses in illegal substances, including opioids. 

The two candidates were asked a series of questions regarding the physical and mental health of the county.

Ball said that the healthcare issue ties into the opioid crisis that afflicts Sullivan County, as well as the impact and importance of mental health. 

Due to these ties, Ball stated that there must be development in creating support in the extension of healthcare coverage in the area.

Oberacker concurred with his opponent on mental health services, stating that there must be a greater support of these types of services in Sullivan County.

Concealed Carry,  Gun Laws

The long-standing New York concealed carry gun legislation was repealed by the decision of the United States Supreme Court earlier this year, to which the State and Sullivan County have reacted to with legislation in turn. 

Oberacker stated that he is a supporter of the National Rifle Association (NRA) and of responsible gun owners, and the State must avoid laws that are harmful and unconstitutional against those who exercise their Second Amendment rights in a responsible manner.

Ball stated in his response that he is a supporter of the Second Amendment, and that he doesn’t want to penalize responsible gun owners.

Ethics Reforms

The moderators asked the two candidates their opinions on the Ethics Commission Reform Act of 2022, which appointed an 11-member ethics commission in Albany to readjust the state’s vision on ethics issues after the former Governor of New York, Andrew Cuomo, resigned from his position.

Oberacker said it was a step in the right direction and went on to call for further ethics training.

Ball said that he believes “any ethics commission needs to have independence free of political influence.”

Issues of Equality

The moderators asked the candidates to give their stance on issues of equality, namely marriage equality.

Ball said that the rhetoric of transphobia and homophobia are coming through positions of leadership.

Ball went on to say that as a gay man, he knows what it feels to not have a place in his own community.

Oberacker related to the topic second-handedly, stating that one of his children is gay and is married, and that he can support marriage equality.

Absentee ballot voting

When COVID-19 struck, absentee ballot voting and other remote activities became a part of the norm. 

Oberacker touched upon his disposition against mail-in and absentee voting, saying that “It doesn’t have to be easy, because it’s important” and that people should “vote physically.”

Ball stated that “civic engagement is on a decline” and that we should be teaching our communities how to change that - with utilizing absentee and mail-in ballots being one way to do that.

Broadband

The demand for high-speed internet and broadband infrastructure has turned from a luxury into a necessity for residents of Sullivan County and beyond. However, portions of the county remain excluded from such services.

Oberacker noted that the issue must be looked into and that the appropriate numbers must be discerned and utilized in a plan of action.

Ball stated that Broadband and faster internet access is “the key to moving local economies.”

What it boils down to…

The candidates each finished the debate with final words as they exited the stage. Senator Oberacker and Eric Ball will face off on the ballot on November 8.

See next Tuesday’s edition of the Sullivan County Democrat for further coverage on the debate between 100th New York Assembly District incumbent representative Aileen Gunther and Republican challenger Lisa LaBue.