Democratic candidates meet, discuss issues with voters

Saturday’s heat didn’t stop people from enjoying an opportunity to talk politics.

Several Democratic candidates discussed their platforms ahead of November’s general election at a meet-and-greet event Saturday afternoon at Old Mud Creek Farm in Livingston.

Antonio Delgado, the Democratic candidate for the state’s 19th district; Aaron Gladd, the Democratic candidate for the state Senate’s 43rd District; Assemblywoman Didi Barrett, D-106; Bernadette Powis, Democratic candidate for Columbia County coroner; and Hon. Peter A. Lynch who is running for a state Supreme Court seat; were in attendance.

“I am very appreciative to be here,” Lynch said. “It was a great opportunity — a great way to meet people and show them all my platform. I thought it was a great feeling, to be invited.”

Organized by Germantown Democratic Organization, the Livingston Democrats and the Gallatin Democratic Committee, the event was dubbed “Meet your candidates” and was hosted on the front lawn of the Old Mud Creek farmhouse. The event allowed each candidate to get up in front of the audience and speak about themselves, their platform and their goals.

Powis was the first to speak, followed by Lynch, who discussed how the Supreme Court seat’s long 14-year term makes it an important commitment.

“We are a country of hope,” said Gladd, a combat veteran who served in Afghanistan and worked as Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s deputy director of policy.

Barrett, is the incumbent looking to keep her spot on the stat Assembly for her third term.

“The opportunity is now, the team is great,” she said.

Delgado was the final speaker to address the crowd. Many guests were excited to hear him talk about his policies.

“You can see trends,” Delgado said. “People are working harder, but wages are flat.”

The Democratic candidate, who is running against U.S. Rep. John Faso, R-19, of Kinderhook, spoke about a variety of topics including economic inequality, health care, environmental protection and agriculture. Delgado also discussed his background, childhood, education, personal life and values.

“There are real problems which require thoughtful commitment,” Delgado said.

The 19th Congressional District race is tight — Delgado has 45 percent support of potential voters in the district and Faso has 43 percent support, according to a Monmouth University poll. Potential voters in the district are constituents who have participated in an election since 2010 or are newly registered to vote, according to the poll.

A recent Siena College Research Institute poll showed Faso is leading five points ahead of Delgado with a stronger lead in the Twin Counties.

While Saturday’s event was labeled a Democratic Party meet-and-greet, several Republicans were in attendance, Delgado said at the end of his speech, and he feels they made a connection.

Several audience members stayed afterward to speak with Delgado and the other candidates.

“My currency is my vote,” said Carmen Henriquez, 63, of Pines Plains. “If I vote for him, he will take me with him to Congress.”

Henriquez had a poignant talk with Delgado about many topics, she said, adding she is frustrated with the amount of division in today’s political climate.

“We need to change the times,” Henriquez said.

Delgado attended several other events Saturday, including the Catskill Street festival and another meet-and-greet event in Hillsdale later that evening.

“It was a very good turn out,” Delgado said. “Republicans and Democrats both come out — and they spoke very highly with me today.”