NEW YORK’S 19TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT  — Facing off once more for the Congressional seat in Washington D.C. are incumbent Congressman Marc Molinaro (R) and challenger Josh Riley (D).

The contested district includes a population of over 750,000, and spans the entirety of Sullivan, Broome, Tioga, Tompkins, Chenango, Delaware, Greene, and Columbia Counties, while partially including Ulster and Otsego Counties.

The Democrat sat down with both candidates to speak on topics relevant to Sullivan County and NY-19 as a whole. Below are snapshot summaries to their answers, giving voters a look at who they might want to vote for on Election Day, November 5.

Proposition One

This proposition will be found on the reverse side of the ballot for all voters, and it deals with codifying gender-based rights and protections into the New York Constitution. 

Molinaro has noted his concern and disapproval of this proposed amendment, sticking with the party platform that views Prop One as tramping on women’s sports, among other issues.

Riley stated on the issue that he believes women have the right to make choices relevant to the amendment.

Cashless Bail

Looking back at the not-so-distant past in January of 2022, both candidates were reminded of the backyard effects of cashless bail, such as the resulting death of Forestburgh Fire Fighter William “Billy” Steinberg Jr (37)., who perished due to the result of cashless bail in action in New York State via repeated arson.

Molinaro stoutly said it “has to be repealed” and that “it makes our communities less safe.”

The sitting Congressman went on to criticize the single-party rule status of Albany as a cause for cashless bail to begin with.

Noting his background from a family in law enforcement, Riley agreed with Molinaro that New York should keep “violent criminals off the street.” However, he made a point that the state should not look to criminalize poverty, poor mental health, etc., and “find the right balance.”

Firematics and OSHA

Looming over the heads of every small, volunteer-run fire department in New York State are the proposed changes to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, regarding firematics systems, practices and regulations. In Sullivan County, it is especially apparent that many fire departments would not be able to fully sustain such changes.

Molinaro, who told the Democrat that he previously served as an active fireman in Tivoli, NY, in the mid-90’s, said that the proposed changes are “inexcusable” as he urges for a complete abandonment of the proposal. 

Riley concurred with the sitting Congressman, he has very serious concerns with what OSHA is proposing for organizations that “depend on volunteers”.

Riley noted that the Biden administration would be hearing his words of caution, if elected, within the first few weeks in office. He noted he is not afraid to challenge his party on this matter, saying that “if the Democrats hurt New York” in this way he will “call them out.”