Gibson: “… she [Bernardo] is undaunted”
KINGSTON – US Rep. Chris Gibson toed the Republican Party line Monday when he spoke in favor of Terry Bernardo’s bid for Ulster County executive.
The congressman is considered one of the GOP’s most moderate members in the House, and is politically close with Bernardo’s Democratic opponent Michael Hein.
Bernardo is a former legislative chairwoman, who lost her district seat in 2014.
Hein has been county executive since the position was created in 2009. He ran unopposed in 2011.
“In the face of that, what is a significant challenge, she [Bernardo] is undaunted,” Gibson said.
The congressman acknowledged Hein is a strong opponent.
“That’s to me all the more reason why I appreciate Terry because in the face of that, in what is a significant challenge, she was undaunted. She stepped forward and realized the people need to have a choice,” he said. “So, what is she doing even though she will likely be outspent, she is working hard every day to be out there with the people. She is listening to what they say.”
Bernardo emphasized her pro-gun record as legislator, against the SAFE Act; plus her work fighting for Kerhonkson homeowner settlements against New York City DEP. She also criticized Hein for his policies against Catskill Mountain Railroad.
“We need to save our historic railroad corridor, not go out of our way to destroy it,” she said. “The Ulster & Delaware Railroad corridor is an historic treasure that belongs to the residents of Ulster County. We need to keep our railroad tracks in place, and enhance this asset with a parallel hiking trail.”
Bernardo also said the county needs a comprehensive economic development strategy. “That would be my number one priority as county executive.”
