In the absence of Republican Congressman Daniel Donovan (Southern Brooklyn, Staten Island), anyone who attended the Bay Ridge Community Council’s annual debate at the Norwegian Christian Home this week was left wondering “where’s the debate?” However, I’m pretty confident that no one was left disappointed. An unexpected and always pleasant visit from Assembly Member Peter J. Abbate Jr. (Democrat-Bay Ridge, Bensonhurst, Sunset Park), and informative discourse presented by Donovan’s Democratic challenger, Richard Reichard and GOP Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis (Bay Ridge, Staten Island) made the night a special event.
After acknowledging that Donovan was in session in Washington, Mr. Alexander A. Conti went on to introduce Reichard, who quickly engaged the crowd of mostly senior voters by stating, “This election is about future issues of the American economy and the future of Medicare and social security.”
He went on to give a speech comparing government investments with business investments and stressed that he believes government needs to invest in infrastructure, new technologies, and education to make sure “the population meets the needs of businesses so people can get good paying jobs.”
The always fun subjects of taxes was next. Mr. Reichard stated his opposition to trickle down economics in favor of tax fairness which he believes will take “the loopholes” out of our tax code. When Medicare was addressed during the question session he stated that although Medicare costs will inevitably rise “because we are an aging population,” instead of a straight vertical rise they’re looking at ways to “bend the cost curve down.”
The tremendous amount of information that is required to be recalled on the spot seemed to leave Mr. Reichard a little flustered at times, but he was connected to his audience and passionate about his causes. He believes that Medicare and social security are the two most important issues in this election.
Malliotakis took the stage, mentioning the unique geography of her district, and described herself as “a good representative of the people of Bay Ridge.” She presented one of her first endeavors (restoring the x27 and b37 bus lines) and the methods that she used to accomplish it. Soon after she addressed the issue of “the spousal refusal provision” and it’s dire financial consequences for senior couples that could possibly bankrupt the other partner.
Her participation in reforming Albany was a source of pride as she cited former Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, a convted felon, in particular as a corrupt tyrant who received a 13-year prison sentence, and says she’s happy to see “the bad apples being tossed out.” As a supporter of transparency of government and watch dog of tax payers money, Molliotakis has called for committee votes to be broadcasted online and is a leader in the paperless effort in the Assembly. She referred to herself as ” an environmentally friendly Republican.” In a brief mention of fellow Assembly Member Abbate Jr., she stated, “we have a great relationship, I enjoy working with Peter.”
Although she supports rehabilitation efforts for heroin addiction, she drew her line and was absolutely clear about her position on safe rooms that was raised during the question session. “I don’t believe that tax payers should be funding supervision of heroin, it’s almost enabling it,” was her response. She proposes tougher legal action against drug dealers as a necessary part of the solution to drug issues.
Well, that was our night. The rest is for you to decide.
