Dear Editor,

Candidates for New York state Assembly District 126 were at Southern Cayuga Central School on Oct. 22. Assemblyman Gary Finch and Democratic challenger Keith Batman responded to questions posed by a student panel. No questions were taken from the audience.

The most shocking assertion of Assemblyman Finch was that he believes a woman, and her physician, should make healthcare decisions during pregnancy.  His voting record tells another story. He consistently votes to restrict funding and access to abortion. In fact, NY Right to Life rates Finch at 100 percent. Was Finch lying or did he have a lapse in memory?

So much of what Finch asserted at the forum just doesn’t match his voting record.

Finch’s 20-year voting record reveals an out-of-touch and troubling disregard for constituents. He voted against the New York Health Act, a comprehensive health measure that benefits every New Yorker. (A4738)

He voted against marriage equality, the prohibition of discrimination based on gender identity or expression, the prohibition of convicted domestic abusers from owning or purchasing firearms (S8121) and he even voted against a bill to prevent the shackling of women prisoners to and from a medical facility while they were in labor or immediately postpartum.  On some of these he says he voted wrong and regrets the vote.  On some of these he remains steadfast. So where does he stand and how will he vote in the future?

The gun safety group, New Yorkers Against Gun Violence, gives Finch an F. Eighty percent of people killed by firearms annually in the U.S. by intimate partners are women. And domestic violence victims are five times more likely to be killed if her partner owns a gun.

The 126th Assembly District needs a representative who will give attention to all his constituents.

I’m voting to replace Assemblyman Finch. Keith Batman’s long history of work in our district shows a respect for all citizens. From his early work with community advocacy, jobs programs and public health, to his years developing non-traditional programming and degree programs at Cayuga and Finger Lakes Community College, Keith has always worked to level the playing field. He will give everyone the opportunity to improve their life. Batman is committed to listening to his constituents and taking our ideas to Albany. We need a fresh voice.

Sincerely,

Mickey Belosi

Auburn, New York

Published on October 28, 2018 at 6:30 pm