DELAWARE RIVER VALLEY, NEW YORK & PENNSYLVANIA — Calling Sullivan, Pike and Wayne counties: As the foliage lining the Delaware turns to bright orange and yellow hues, Election Day 2024 draws closer. The crisp air settles and with it a whirlwind of political flyers, candidate signs along the roads, and swirling requests for campaign donations and your vote.

But how will these candidates affect you? Your community? What will these candidates do?

The River Reporter asked each candidate to choose one piece of legislation to pass in office and how that legislation would serve their constituents.

Their responses serve to illuminate candidate priorities and help decide who deserves your support on that all-important first Tuesday in November.

Find more NY voting-specific information here.

Find more PA voting-specific information here.

New York  

U.S Congress, NY-19

Marc Molinaro (I)(R)

For me, this isn’t hypothetical. 

I’m ranked the most bipartisan in New York, second most bipartisan in America and fourth in Congress for most bills passed. These bills made progress on affordability, protecting Social Security and Medicare, supporting those with disabilities, and supporting those struggling with mental health and substance use disorders.

But with our borders open, I want to keep fighting to implement the Secure the Border Act. I voted to pass it in May of 2023. It’s the strictest border security bill in generations and if President Biden would sign it into law, it would make a massive difference for Sullivan County. It reinstates Remain in Mexico, deploying physical barriers and innovative technology at the border to stop the unmitigated flow of illegal crossings and deadly drugs. And importantly, it fully funds law enforcement.

Sullivan County has among the highest overdose rates in the state. By stopping drug traffickers, we save lives. The unmitigated flow of illegal immigrants is having a devastating impact. Illegal immigrants are freely entering our communities—or in the case of Liberty, are being bused in. This includes tens of thousands of illegal immigrants with sexual assault and murder convictions, according to ICE. In Delaware County: a rapist crossed the border illegally, was arrested and released in Orange County, then was allowed to come to the Catskills to commit another crime.

And it’s not just drugs and crime. According to Biden’s Federal Reserve Chairman, it’s the job market. With millions of illegals here, downward pressure is being put on salaries and big corporations are choosing cheap immigrant laborers over American workers.

We must secure our border, but that’s not to say other issues don’t matter. On one issue I’m sure you’re seeing a lot of lies about on TV, let me tell you where I stand: I believe health care decisions should be between a woman and her doctor, not Washington. I kept my promise to reject a national abortion ban, keeping New York’s laws in place. And I bucked my own party as the first Republican to back legislation protecting IVF, birth control and mifepristone.

On rural health care, mental health care, and addiction treatment too, there’s so much more to be done. That’s why I’m asking for your vote. To continue that fight—for you.

Josh Riley (D)

On Day One in Congress, I will sponsor the Women’s Health Protection Act to restore the protections of Roe v. Wade and to codify those protections once and for all into Federal law.

Two years ago, the United States Supreme Court overturned 50 years of precedence in their disastrous ruling in the Dobbs case, ending the constitutional right to an abortion nationwide. Since then, anti-abortion extremists have pushed for a national abortion ban that would outlaw a woman’s right to choose and allow politicians to control women’s most personal health care decisions—even here in New York. Voters deserve to know exactly where their representatives stand.

During his 30-year political career, my opponent, Congressman Marc Molinaro, has made his position on this issue crystal clear. He opposed the law that codified abortion into law in New York State. He funneled money to an anti-abortion propaganda group known for lying to women about their personal health care options, and in just two short years in Congress, Molinaro has voted 13 times to restrict access to reproductive freedom for women. 

My view is simple: women’s health care decisions are women’s health care decisions, and politicians should stay the hell out of them. I championed an effort in federal court to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment, which would make abortion access a constitutional right, and I’ll finish the job in Congress. I will always stand up to extremists trying to take away reproductive rights, including those attempting to restrict access to birth control, IVF or mifepristone; and I support a Constitutional amendment to put reproductive rights in the constitution, so not even a far-right Supreme Court can take them away again.

My opponent has had 30 years to stand up and to fight for Upstate New York women and families and he has failed to get the job done time and again.

He won’t do it. I will.

On November 5th I would be honored to have your vote.

New York State Senate 51st District

Michelle Frazier (D)(Working Families)

One of my first priorities as New York State Senator  would be to address public safety resources in our community. I would propose the “Enhanced 911 Response Act,” aimed at expanding the current 911 system to include specialized mental health, domestic violence, and substance abuse professionals as part of emergency response teams.

Key points of the legislation:

Multidisciplinary Emergency Response Teams: This bill would create integrated response teams that include mental health professionals, domestic violence advocates and substance abuse specialists, who would respond alongside or independently of law enforcement officers, depending on the situation.

Mental Health Crisis Response: For calls related to mental health crises (e.g., suicide attempts, severe anxiety or schizophrenia-related episodes), a team of trained mental health professionals would be dispatched. These professionals would be equipped to de-escalate situations, connect individuals to immediate care, and reduce the likelihood of unnecessary arrests or use of force.

Domestic Violence Support: The bill would mandate that domestic violence advocates be available to respond to calls where intimate partner violence is reported. These professionals would ensure victims have immediate access to shelter, legal services, and support, working to reduce the risk of further harm.

Substance Abuse Interventions: For 911 calls related to overdose, intoxication or addiction crises, a substance abuse specialist would be part of the emergency response team. These professionals would focus on harm reduction, providing naloxone where necessary and referring individuals to treatment services, rather than relying solely on the criminal justice system.

Funding and Training: The legislation would provide a structure to use current resources to expand current 911 services, including training dispatchers to properly identify and route calls to the appropriate specialized teams. It would also allocate resources to recruit and train professionals in the relevant fields to join emergency response units.

Data Collection and Accountability: To assess the impact of this expanded system, the bill would require data collection on response times, outcomes and community feedback. This data would be used to improve services and ensure the efficacy of the program.

Community Impact: When a crisis strikes, our community response matters. Expansion of 911 services provides greater services and safety. By integrating professionals with expertise in these areas, we can reduce the number of unnecessary incarcerations, improve public safety, decrease long-term costs and provide individuals with the services they need during emergencies.

Peter Oberacker (I)(R)

Senate Bill S4020A: Prioritizing First Responders and Public Health through Senate Bill S4020A

I’m a proud co-sponsor of Senate Bill S4020A, which strengthens emergency medical services (EMS) across the state. This bill is a crucial step forward in ensuring that every New Yorker—whether they live in an urban, suburban or rural area—has access to timely, life-saving care.

At its core, this legislation makes EMS an essential service, meaning it becomes the responsibility of all municipalities to ensure emergency medical care is consistently available. This is especially important in underserved and rural areas, where EMS response times can vary due to geographic challenges or funding constraints. S4020A allows municipalities to establish special districts specifically for financing and operating general ambulance services, ensuring sustainable funding for the essential resources that save lives.

This bill, which passed the Senate last session, also promotes collaboration and coordination across various municipalities, ensuring that EMS services are not only available but are of the highest standard. It proposes the creation of a statewide comprehensive emergency medical system plan, a move that would standardize protocols and training while fostering continuous improvement and quality assurance in EMS services.

By developing a robust system for certification, setting minimum standards for training, and requiring regular quality reviews, we can ensure that every patient in New York receives the best possible care. Moreover, this bill empowers EMS providers to not only handle emergencies but also engage in public education and preventative care, broadening their role in our health care system.

In supporting S4020A, we invest in the health and safety of our communities, ensuring no one is left without care in their moment of need. The bill represents a comprehensive, forward-thinking approach to public health, aligning with our state’s commitment to protecting its residents. This is  a commitment to protecting lives. By recognizing EMS as essential and providing the necessary resources for its success, we’re making sure that our EMS providers have the support they need to continue their invaluable work. For many, this could mean the difference between life and death.

New York State Assembly 100th Assembly District

Lou Ingrassia (R)

As a Republican/Conservative running in the NYS 100th AD, the most pressing piece of legislation that I would like to see carried out in the next session of the NYS Assembly would have to deal with Public Safety and reversing the disastrous Bail Reform Act of 2019. This legislation has proven time and time again to be detrimental to our justice system and it places an undue strain on our law enforcement partners.

As it stands, the majority of misdemeanor and non-violent felony offenses fall under a “cashless bail” scenario, where an individual is free to go under the guise that they won’t be involved in and or partake in the recurrence of a crime. This theory is certainly false. We are seeing skyrocketing numbers of individuals with multiple arrests continuing to walk our streets and recommit crimes.

The inability of law enforcement, our prosecutors and our judges to incarcerate these individuals is a detriment to our society and our communities. If we do not feel safe where we live, where we work, where we shop and where we find recreation, our communities will not thrive.

Throughout the NYS 100th AD we have communities that are plagued with crime and illegal drug use that is directly related to the inability to incarcerate individuals that have been arrested and are awaiting their court proceedings. These criminals know that the likelihood of incarceration for re-committing a crime is slim to none. This empowers them with the notion that if they are arrested again, there will be no consequences. We as a society cannot and will not stand for this.

In order for our community and our state to return to the vibrant and welcoming place that it can be, we must return the scales of justice to our capable Prosecutors and Judges. Failure to this will continue the exported migration of our families, our children, and our grandchildren.

My goal when elected to the NYS Assembly will be to break the super majority one party rule in the NYS Assembly and make them return to the table and listen to what the average New Yorker wants and demands from their elected representatives.       

Paula Elaine Kay NY-100 (D)

As Counsel to several Fire Districts and Volunteer Ambulance Companies and the daughter of a volunteer firefighter in Rock Hill, I’ve seen firsthand the sacrifices first responders make to keep our communities safe. Today, across New York, we’re facing a critical shortage of people willing to do this critical work. Over the past two decades, the number of volunteer firefighters has dropped by nearly a third, and EMS practitioners have also seen a sharp decline. This isn’t just a statistic—it’s a wake-up call.

Our first responders—whether firefighters or EMS—are the people we rely on in emergencies, from house fires to medical crises. But as regulations tighten and the costs of maintaining equipment and training rise, it’s getting harder to recruit and retain volunteers, especially in rural areas. If we want to keep our communities safe, we need to act now.

As a legislator, I would focus on a package of  incentives for first responders, like meaningful tax breaks and tuition assistance for those willing to serve. I would secure access to state-of-the-art equipment, better training, and the mental health support they need to cope with the emotional toll of their work. And now with new OSHA mandates requiring expanded physicals and fitness programs, we must make sure all departments—especially small, rural ones—have the funding to comply.

EMS, in particular, needs more support. It’s time we make EMS services essential, guaranteeing departments the funding and recognition they deserve. Every day, these workers are saving lives, often under incredibly difficult circumstances. We need to guarantee, through legislation, that they have the resources to continue.

This issue is personal for me, but it’s also an issue of public safety for all of us. It’s time New York prioritized the people who have always been there to protect us. We owe them more than gratitude—we owe them the resources and respect they deserve.

Pennsylvania

Rob Bresnahan (R): Putting Northeastern Pennsylvanians first

As I travel across Northeastern Pennsylvania meeting voters, they are repeatedly discouraged by policies that seem to prioritize extreme agendas like putting illegal immigrants ahead of American citizens or sending money overseas before investing in our communities. It’s time for that to change. My top priority in Congress will be addressing these concerns by passing a bill that focuses on two critical areas: securing our borders and strengthening our economy to prioritize the people of Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Unfortunately, Congressman Cartwright has shown time and time again that his beliefs are not aligned with what our region wants. He voted against the Secure the Border Act and was one of the first members of Congress to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris, despite her calling the border wall a “complete waste of taxpayer money” that “won’t make us any safer.”

It’s important to realize that illegal immigration isn’t just a problem at the border—it affects Northeastern Pennsylvania, where flights of illegal immigrants have been sent with no transparency and no plan. This puts a strain on local resources and families. I will work to secure our borders, end dangerous “catch and release” policies, and prohibit taxpayer funding for relocating illegal immigrants to communities that are already struggling economically. This will protect our communities and national security while ensuring federal dollars benefit our district—not a broken immigration system.

The second part of my plan focuses on putting Pennsylvanians back to work. Rising prices and skyrocketing energy bills are squeezing the middle class. Unfortunately, Congressman Cartwright—who votes with his party nearly 100 percent of the time—supported the so-called Inflation Reduction Act, which drove up costs on everyday necessities ranging from groceries to gasoline, and left families struggling to make ends meet.

To provide relief, I will fight to cut wasteful government spending and economically crippling regulations and protect jobs in industries like fracking and natural gas by embracing an all-of-the-above approach to energy production. I’ll also prioritize neglected infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, and electrical grids here at home before sending billions more to build them in other countries.

The bottom line is this: My focus is on putting the people of Northeastern Pennsylvania first by securing our borders and creating good-paying jobs. It’s time for a representative who puts our community above party politics. That’s exactly what I plan to do in Congress.

Matt Cartwright (D)

Northeastern Pennsylvanians know hard, honest work. Our farmers feed America. Our factory workers produce semiconductors and military supplies that make our economy competitive and our nation safe.

That’s why it’s no surprise that a rising China has tried to put our area’s manufacturing talent out of business. The Chinese Communist Party has dumped state-subsidized goods overseas to put American workers out of a job. Wall Street banks and private equity firms have helped China do this dirty work – because they can make a quick buck from selling out workers.

That’s why I’ve made it my priority to fight for American jobs. We’ve seen too many factories close because our workers were put at an unfair disadvantage. Losing these good-paying jobs craters our middle class. It also creates a dangerous dependence on foreign exports.

One of my main priorities for the next Congress is passing my Made in America bill. This bipartisan legislation would bring critical pharmaceutical manufacturing back to the United States, making us less dependent on China and other foreign adversaries.

We saw how this dependence hurt us during the pandemic. America was too reliant on China for medicines and surgical supplies. Patients suffered from dangerous shortages. Moving this manufacturing to America will make our nation more secure while creating good-paying manufacturing jobs.

My Made in America bill is part of a long-term strategy to bring jobs back home. I was proud to help pass the CHIPS Act to move semiconductor manufacturing from China to America. We’re seeing the law at work, right here in Pennsylvania. Hundreds of millions have been invested in new manufacturing jobs. This high-tech growth will spur economic activity throughout the state, as subcontractor supply, construction, and other manufacturing grow alongside these opportunities.

Investing in local jobs also plays a key role in addressing the cost of living. Prices rose throughout the pandemic as our supply chain backed up. Shortages drive higher costs. Investing in our domestic workforce helps ensure that won’t happen again—because the price increases we’ve seen over the past few years are unacceptable.

I’m dedicated to shoring up our supply chains and bringing jobs back home. I’ll continue to work with both sides to get this done. The rest of the country is catching up to what we’ve known in northeastern Pennsylvania all along—when we support American workers, we’re all better off.

PA House District 139

Jeff Olsommer (R, I)

During my time in the Pennsylvania State House of Representatives, I have voted on numerous pieces of critical legislation that have made this Commonwealth and Pike and Wayne Counties better for our families, seniors, employers, farmers and sportsmen.

I am currently working on a few pieces of legislation that include a Storm Chaser Bill, which will prevent fraudulent contractors outside of our area from taking advantage of unsuspecting homeowners, and a Guardianship Bill, which will require courts to hold a hearing within 30 days of receipt of a petition to modify or terminate a guardianship for an incapacitated individual.

I am also planning on introducing legislation that will provide a tax cut for every Pennsylvanian. We are all suffering—seniors, families and employers—from the high cost of materials, energy and groceries brought on by inflation, high interest rates and a poor energy policy.  Pennsylvanians need help and should expect their state government to help them keep more of their hard-earned money!

As your State Representative, I will fight hard every day so the residents of the 139th can have more of the money they earned. It is my honor and privilege to represent a community that I know so well and the citizens I respect so much. I would be honored to earn your vote on Tuesday, November 5th.

Robin Schooley Skibber (D)

I want to pass common-sense gun reforms to stem the tide of gun violence in our schools and communities. Gun violence is the #1 cause of death for school-aged children in the U.S. Many die due to carelessly secured weapons in the home. Youth and others struggling with mental illness commit suicide at a much higher rate when a gun is easily available.

I come from a family of hunters in Blooming Grove and I respect the 2nd Amendment. But I also believe in protecting our children and those at risk. When a young, troubled relative of mine used a gun to end his life, it was a shock to our entire family. I learned that more than half of the gun-related deaths in Pennsylvania are suicides and that there are some simple steps we can take that will protect people and not infringe on the 2nd Amendment.

First is the passage of a “red flag” law, also known as an “extreme risk protection order” (ERPO) to allow judges to order the temporary confiscation of a person’s firearms if they are a danger to themselves or others. Family or law enforcement can petition for a such an order, based on specified criteria.

Filing false or frivolous ERPOs would be punishable. Passed by the Democratic-controlled House, the bill remains in limbo in the Republican-controlled Senate, stuck in the powerful jaws of the gun lobby. Pennsylvania should join the 21 other states and D.C. that have red flag laws.

If elected, I will also draft a bill to implement Donna’s Law, groundbreaking new suicide prevention legislation that has become law in Virginia, Washington, Delaware and Utah. Donna’s Law allows people who know they are at risk of serious depression or suicidal ideation to, when they are thinking clearly, put themselves on a voluntary, confidential self-registry to prevent their impulsive purchase of a gun.

Many suicides are impulsive spur-of-the-moment decisions; a delay in or the inability to access a gun will save lives. Registering with Donna’s Law can be revoked if the person so chooses. It seeks to help people through a crisis—not to control their lives.

We need political leadership with the courage to stand up for common-sense measures to reduce gun violence, protect women’s reproductive rights and marriage equality, support seniors and veterans, and protect our environment. That’s the legislator I want to be.