Elmont Online

Becker to Elmont's Uninsured and Under Employed "I will roll back Health Care Reform and Extend the Bush Tax Cuts"

Well, I wanted to report about the thoughtful presentations made by the candidates at last night's CCC's Candidate Forum, but I was dumbfounded by the blathering nonsense emanating from the mouths of some.  The evening began with opening remarks from The president of the CCC, Joyce Stowe.  Ms Stowe welcomed guests and set both the atmosphere and means for a reasoned discussion.  She contextualized the event by recognizing member civics and in customary African form by naming the ancestors, Mat Schlecter, Richard Mastrocola, Bob Brody and Paul Muscarella.  "It is good to know that we are here together tonight to carry on this work - their legacy."  She concluded her remarks by introducing the moderator for the discussions, Mr Harris Dinkoff President of the League of Women Voters.

• US House of Representative Member Carolyn McCarthy
• US House of Representative Hopeful Becker
• New York State Senator Craig Johnson, Democrat
• New York State Senate Candidate Jack Martins, Republican
• 21st Assembly District Candidate Patrick Nicolosi, Democrat;
• 21st Assembly District Candidate Mimi Pierre-Johnson, Working Families Party;
• 21st Assembly District Candidate Ed Ra, Republican

US House of Representative Member Carolyn McCarthy received a warm round of applause as she answered the question on immigration.  Recounting that everyone in the packed room came for some place else she expressed her concerns for both our northern and southern borders. She supports the use of high tech devices as an aid to border security.  She closed by putting emphasis on who we are as a country and rejects the fear based, scapegoating of individuals and groups by some extreme right thinking politicians and their supporters.

US Representative hopeful Becker was most notable to attendees.  It was obvious he was not listening to the audience.  "He should have understood that we are supportive of Health Care Reform" said one attendee.  Another attendee commented "who was he referring to when he said "we make more money here on Long Island ... not me, I need health care reform, and the Bush tax cuts he is bent on extending has no impact on me - none!"  Another attendee said "these Tea Party candidates just parrot their "intellectual leader" Sarah Palin, it was like he was channeling her."  In a telling exchange with Alden Manor Civic president Jazwick Williams, Becker relied heavily on his Tea Party dogma saying "you are dead wrong" regarding the amount of taxes paid by big business.  Mr. Williams in framing a question to Becker noted that big business already benefit tremendously from tax breaks and stimulus money yet there are no jobs to show for it.  Becker's answer was a blind defense of capitalism gone wild.

Economic Development was also a major topic of discussion.  Patrick Nicolosi, Democrat expressed his disappointment with town officials for not being more proactive and in fact for often being an obstacle to Elmont's Revitalization effort.

Embattled Senator Johnson pointed out that he held hearings on water quality, but stayed clear of the IG report which puts him at center of the Aqueduct VLT scandal.  One political observer noted "His reluctance to support Elmont's revitalization in a full-throated way is clearly linked to his allegiance to Malcolm Smith and other NYC lawmakers ... He sold us down the river on Belmont".

Mimi Pierre-Johnson, Senator Johnson's hand picked candidate for the 21st Assembly District repeated her now familiar refrain.  "Our Queens neighbors are hurting - everyone is hurting ... I will do whatever the community says I should do."

All in all the candidates repeated their now familiar mantra.  Audience members were active participants in the forum.  Questions on outsourcing jobs, education funding, grant money, etc were all voiced.  Jamaica Square President Claudine Hall asked the candidates how they would help secure property for a Community Center, Mr. Archbald, founder of a local community non-profit has a similar question.  All the state candidates expressed a desire to help move forward, if elected, in a constructive way regarding a local community center.

Election day is November 2.  The polls open at 6:00 AM and closes at 9:00 PM.  Vote, it a right for some, a renewable "magnanimous" act (The Voting Rights ACT) for others!  Use it.

Live Election Night results right here on Elmont Online.