Residents hear candidates' views

    WATKINS GLEN—The Schuyler County League of Women Voters held a forum, Wednesday, Oct. 17, attended by State Sen. Tom O’Mara (R-Big Flats), state Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R-Corning), and Nate Shinagawa, the New York 23rd Congressional District Democratic candidate.
    Shinagawa is running against Republican Congressman Tom Reed, who was unable to attend the forum. Palmesano and O’Mara are running unopposed. All four will be on the Nov. 6 general election ballot. The topics discussed at the forum included stimulating job growth, bipartisanship, hydrofracking, and healthcare.
    The candidates were all asked the same questions and given time to respond. The first question was about the role of government in healthcare. Shinagawa replied first, saying healthcare needs to allow people to make their own healthcare decisions. He added it should “protect us from the worst of healthcare.”
    Shinagawa supported changes in Pres. Barack Obama’s Affordable Healthcare Act: being eligible for insurance despite a preexisting condition and closing the Medicare “donut hole” gap on prescription coverage for seniors. However, he added there is “more work to reduce costs in the long run.”
    Palmesano said Medicaid costs should be split evenly between the federal and state governments. He explained New York state currently makes municipalities pay a local match, or 25 percent of the costs. Palmesano added they have looked at structural changes in the Medicaid system.
    O’Mara said he agreed with parts of the Affordable Healthcare Act, like allowing people with preexisting conditions to get coverage. However, he added there need to be changes. O’Mara said, “it’s frustrating to see lawmakers afraid to pass something seen as ‘Obamacare.’”
    “The only people who make money in the healthcare field are the health insurance companies,” he added.
    The next question was what government could do to stimulate job growth. Palmesano said New York has passed the last two state budgets on time and with a decrease in costs. He explained this sends the right message to the private sector.
    O’Mara added New York needs to make the cost of doing business in New York affordable for companies. He said Gov. Andrew Cuomo said it best: “New York state has no future as the tax capital of the nation.” He explained the Recharge program is one example of what the state has done to encourage growth, “but we have a long ways to go.”
    Shinagawa said New York needs to focus on what it does best, which is manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism. He suggested creating a tax credit for businesses that bring jobs back from overseas. He added passing the Farm Bill helps agriculture. To stimulate tourism, Shinagawa said change the trade agreement with Canada and “put the brakes on hydrofracking.”
    The candidates were later asked specifically about fracking. Shinagawa said in opposing hydraulic fracturing, they need to show there’s an alternative. He proposed investing in renewable energy. He added fracking would only bring short-term jobs, when they need something that will create long-term jobs.
    Palmesano and O’Mara both said they support safe and responsible hydrofracking. Palmesano added there has to be enough enforcement and proper personnel though. He also said there has to be a proper buffer around the lakes.
    O’Mara commented on enforcement. He said currently the manpower is not there. He suggested permit fees go toward paying staff to regulate fracking. O’Mara added he has landowners in the Southern Tier who are in favor of it.
    The last question of the evening was about partisanship gridlock. Palmesano said he gives Cuomo credit for providing leadership in New York after years without it. He added, “I’m a firm believer you can compromise on policy without compromising on principles. This country is screaming for leadership.”
    O’Mara also pointed out how the state passed its budget on time over the last two years. He said, “for so many years it wasn’t like that. If we had leadership like that in Washington we’d have more progress.” Shinagawa said lawmakers need to build relationships and respect with each other. He said he would bring a different attitude to Washington.