Candidates field questions

GOSHEN — Republican Kyle Roddey and Democrat James Skoufis, both running for the New York State Assembly's 99th District, responded to questions from the audience at a full-house Goshen Chamber of Commerce breakfast meeting recently.

Businessman and Chamber President Ray Quattrini asked the candidates questions submitted from the audience.

Valley View

Should the nursing home be county or privately owned?

Roddey: "What it comes down to is what’s best for the individuals who live there.” Medicare funding is a big problem and there should be full reimbursement, just like the private sector.

Skoufis: “Keep Valley View open and county owned. Period.” Taking it out of county hands would decrease senior and veteran care, “the very people we have to take care of.”

Fracking

Should fracking be allowed in New York?

Roddey: “See if it’s safe, then open the project for jobs. We need a full environmental assessment."

Skoufis: “I’m not convinced that it doesn’t do harm to the water. Until I know differently, I’m opposed to fracking.”

Minimum wage

Should the minimum wage be raised?

Roddey: Raising the minimum wage would deter business, both in attracting new businesses and creating more jobs. “Business people don’t want to hear from the government, ‘I’m going to increase your cost of doing business.’ In reality, it will kill jobs."

Skoufis: Raising minimum wage from $7.25 to $8.50 will bring a family out of the poverty level. “These are people who will immediately re-invest in the local community — go for a dinner in a local restaurant or purchase nuts and bolts at the corner hardware store."

Abortion

Should abortion remain legal?

Roddey: I'm a prolife moderate who sees both sides. “I believe women have the right to choose."

Skoufis: “I shouldn’t decide how a woman’s body should be treated. I’m pro-choice.”

Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver

Do you support New York Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, a Democrat who executed a secret payout of tax money to settle a sexual harassment case against AssemblymanVito Lopez?

Roddey: “This is a serious issue,. My opponent hasn’t taken a position on not supporting Sheldon Silver and his hush money and funding his campaign.”

Skoufis: “Sheldon Silver! Sheldon Silver! Talking about Sheldon Silver won’t lower taxes or create jobs." An independent investigating committee will decide, but "I think Vito Lopez should resign.”

Muscle for the 99th

How best to improve the 99th Assembly District’s presence in Albany?

Roddey: Advocate the right issues, make the location of the district office known to the public as a place to discuss important issues, and be well-researched to speak clearly and passionately. “I’m in it for the long haul. I’m dedicated to this area. The best way to help people in the area is to shrink the size of government, urge political parties to work together, share resources between municipalities and school districts, and encourage non-forced consolidations.”

Skoufis: Be an independent voice in Albany. “I’ll work hard to get things done. I’ll work for ideas not for the party. I’m tired of the bickering in Albany; I want to see results. I’ll fight for you, the middle class—every single day. I put my money where my mouth is. While on the Woodbury Town Board I voted to join the lawsuit opposing the MTA tax—my opponent didn’t. I’ll be on your side when I get to Albany, and most importantly, stop talking about lowering taxes. The system needs reform!”