KINGSTON – The Ulster County Chamber of Commerce hosted a four-race political debate Thursday, among the incumbent Republican New York state senators and their Democratic challengers. Issues discussed included minimum wage, corruption, and regulatory reform.
Six of the eight candidates showed up; light snow kept two away
Ulster County is split into four senatorial districts, which confuses all but the most astute political observers. Two of the eight candidates did not appear due to early snowfall. William Larkin of the 39th District, was absent as was Pramilla Malik, the Democrat running for the 42nd Senate District.
Democrat Christopher Eachus, an Orange County legislator, is challenging Larkin; while John Bonacic (R – 42nd) defends his seat against Malik. George Amedore (R – 46th) and challenger Sara Niccoli (D) were both present along with James Seward (R – 51st), running against newcomer Jermaine Bagnall-Graham (D).
“Some may criticize the fact that Ulster County has four Senate districts; I see that as a plus,” said Seward. “You have an entire delegation working for you at the State Capitol.”
The GOP incumbents all stood their ground on fighting against minimum wage increases, citing costs to small businesses. They said the gradual hike to $12.50 was a compromise, which includes an economic analysis after three years.
“The biggest thing we do in the Republican Conference – and
we have a majority of one — is damage control,” Bonacic noted.
“And we fight for regional politics.” He said when the Democrats
controlled the Senate in 2009-2010, spending and tax increases reined
with lopsided funding in favor of downstate areas.
The corruption issue featured tit-for-tat examples of wrongdoing, levied against both parties. All agreed; however, that term limits are the best thing to combat the problem.
“I wish my opponent was here, to debate this issue, 38 years up in Albany, this was the second-hand-man to Joe Bruno,” Eachus said, referring to Larkin. “His own campaign treasurer was convicted of embezzlement, and I hear nothing about ethics from my opponent.”
Amedore countered that Democrats won’t address the other side of the issue, with special interests and unions skirting around campaign finance limits.
“As we saw right here in 2014 and how all that Mayor deBlasio money came right up here to Ulster County,” Amedore said. “Ethics is about the intent of an individual’s heart,” Amedore argued. He said all the legislation won’t stop it, adding that the LLC loophole is protected by free speech.
Democrats had a few zingers, but overall, the Republicans came across as more articulate and experienced, having served in their positions for many years. Some observers said it will be an uphill battle to displace the GOP incumbents.
“The 46th Senate District covers five counties across upstate New York,” Niccoli said. “It was in fact gerrymandered to be that way. It really is a disservice to all of us, because wherever you’re from, you’re not from most of it.” She called Ulster County a model of small business growth.
