The Rye Record put a few questions to the candidates in the heated primary contest in New York’s 16th Congressional District. County Executive George Latimer is challenging Rep. Jamaal Bowman for the Democratic nomination.
1. Will you support your opponent if you don’t win the primary? Yes or no.
County Executive George Latimer: I will put my efforts into ensuring that we re-elect President Biden and the entire Democratic slate.
U.S. Rep. Jamaal Bowman: I am committed to ensuring Democrats take back all arms of government from the racist MAGA Republican Party.
2. People base their votes on a wide range of issues, from foreign policy to neighborhood concerns. Thinking locally, why should someone in Rye be excited to support you in this contest?
Latimer: I have been a proud resident of Rye for decades – it is where I raised my daughter. I began my career in public service as a council member in the city of Rye. I also became the first-ever Democrat to win the 7th District seat representing the City of Rye and served in the Assembly for eight years representing the 91st District, which also included Rye Brook.
From protecting women’s reproductive rights to investing in our infrastructure, fighting MAGA extremists, supporting small business and creating safer communities, we need real leadership in Washington who will safeguard our human rights, protect our democracy, and ensure local programs and initiatives get fully funded.
From protecting women’s reproductive rights to investing in our infrastructure, fighting MAGA extremists, supporting small business and creating safer communities, we need real leadership in Washington who will safeguard our human rights, protect our democracy, and ensure local programs and initiatives get fully funded.
Bowman: Westchester is New York itself: diverse in its culture, its people, and economic backgrounds. I am proud to have funded projects and programs to not only meet the needs of our communities, but also prepare our county for the future, including:
-$88 million to help Mamaroneck move forward with flood mitigation.
-$959,752 for the Village of Rye Brook for a Rye Brook Sewer Rehabilitation Initiative.
-$1 million for the Village of Tuckahoe, for Tuckahoe Square & Main Street Signal Improvement.
-$977,827 for the Village of Ardsley, for Downtown Revitalization
-$750,000 for the Village of Hastings-on-Hudson, for geothermal heat pump system installation.
-$2,560,000 for Westchester County, for a Study of the Lake Isle Dam to promote safety, flood mitigation, and environmental justice in Southern Westchester.
-The Inflation Reduction Act, President Biden’s signature bill, which includes the biggest clean energy investment in U.S. history, and drug price reform for seniors on Medicare.
3. The 16th is a very diverse district in terms of income, race, and ethnicity and this has been a very divisive primary. If you win, would bridging divides with people who did not support you be a priority. If so, how would you propose to do that?
Latimer: I am committed to serve every person and community across NY-16 regardless of whether or not they voted for me. While I now live in Rye, I grew up in a working-class family in Mount Vernon. I understand the needs and challenges of families across the district, in all the different communities, and I am committed to bringing critical resources and opportunities to all Westchester and Bronx families.
Bowman: From Co-Op City to Scarsdale, we all believe that people should be able to have the resources they need to thrive. That’s why we’re such a progressive district, and why we’re united in rejecting the hateful, divisive politics of Donald Trump. I’ve always worked to bridge the differences that divide communities and bring people together. It shows up in how I show up for my constituents, whether it is families dealing with the aftermath of senseless violence in New Rochelle or holding a healing breakfast for Jewish constituents in the aftermath of October 7th. We may not always agree on the issues, but what I can promise is that I will continue to be available to my constituents to have these discussions and be there in times happy and sad, while working to ensure that every community is supported with the resources and care they deserve. We are made stronger by embracing what makes us different and the collective humanity that unites us all.