PARTING WAYS
At forum, Stefanik notes she disagrees with Trump’s trade policies
SOUTH GLENS FALLS, N.Y.
» U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik voiced concern Thursday about President Trump’s trade tariffs, controversial rhetoric toward women, and said his U.S. Environmental Protection Agency director should resign.
The sophomore congresswoman, seeking reelection to a third term in November, addressed numerous issues ranging from healthcare to veterans benefits and Russia’s alleged meddling in U.S. elections during a public forum at Moreau Community Center with more than 200 people on hand.
Stefanik, R-Willsboro, said the president’s recently-imposed tariffs are particularly harmful to America’s farmers, who rely heavily on exports for their livelihood.
“I’m extremely concerned,” she said. “This is a district that is very dependent on our trading relationships. Just look at the U.S.-Canadian economic partnership that is so critical to jobs in our region. I’m also concerned about how this is going to affect our agricultural products and our ability to export.”
“So I disagree with the president on his trade policies,” she said. “I think we need to modernize trade agreements like NAFTA, but I have been concerned about these tariffs leading to a trade war. It’s an area where I disagree with the president.”
Stefanik won re-election handily in 2016 when
“I think we need to modernize trade agreements like NAFTA, but I have been concerned about these tariffs leading to a trade war.” — U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik
Trump defeated Democrat Hillary Clinton. But more than a half-dozen Democrats are still seeking their party’s nomination to challenge Stefanik, hoping to ride a “blue wave” of anti-Trump sentiment in this year’s mid-term congressional elections. The district Stefanik represent’s includes a portion of Saratoga County.
Two of those candidates, Patrick Nelson of Stillwater and Emily Martz of Saranac Lake, were among those present on Thursday.
Stefanik’s comments indicated that she’s already separating herself from Trump as the campaign takes shape. “I’m going to make news today,” she said. “I think Scott Pruitt should resign. I fundamentally disagree with how Pruitt has handled the EPA.”
Environmental advocates are upset by funding cuts that threaten to undermine clean air and water standards, and policies that could open sensitive areas to development and industrial use.
In regard to Trump’s offensive remarks about women and alleged instances of sexual misconduct, Stefanik said, “I’ve been very concerned about the president’s rhetoric toward women. I’ve spoken out against it. No one is above the law.”
The crowd included Stefanik supporters and detractors.
She has come under considerable fire during her term in office for being inaccessible to constituents. Joseph Seeman, of Ballston Spa, criticized Thursday’s event, saying it should have been held at larger venue, in the evening, so more people could attend.
Stefanik said she holds outreach activities at all times of day throughout her 21st District, which stretches from Watertown to northern Saratoga County. It is the largest district, geographically, east of the Mississippi River.
Another “Coffee With the Congresswoman” forum is scheduled Friday in Moriah.
Queensbury resident Sara Carpenter, whose husband is battling leukemia, was Stefanik’s harshest critic on Thursday, saying she’s done little to improve healthcare since taking office.
“Why don’t you care enough about the people in our district to get the Congress to do something?” she said. “I’m very disappointed. Get off the bench. I want an elected representative who won’t just talk about what needs to be done, but will make it happen.”
Stefanik said she supported the 21st Century Cures Act, which provided $45 billion for healthcare, and the recently-approved federal omnibus bill, which included significant healthcare funding, too.
The event was moderated by Glens Falls Chronicle newspaper editor and publisher Mark Frost.