The Sullivan Times - October 30, 2018 - Issue 7

Jen Metzger For State Senate In the 42nd State Senate District race for the seat vacated by John Bonacic, ​The Sullivan Times endorses Democrat Jen Metzger (Ulster County) over Republican Annie Rabbitt (Orange County).

Yes, Rabbitt has many years of experience in Albany but her voting record demonstrates a clear disconnect from Sullivan County, and frankly, much of the District. While serving in the New York State Assembly, Rabbit voted against an increase in the minimum wage to $8.50 from $7.50. She voted against microstamping certain firearms that would make it easier to trace them if they were used in the commission of a crime. And, in 2010, she voted against a bill that prohibited domestic violence offenders from purchasing firearms. Frankly, we’re surprised that her good friend Sheriff Michael Schiff would be against such common sense legislation aimed at getting guns off the streets. Rabbitt is against abortion in ​any ​situation, even in the event of rape, incest or the health of the mother. That struck us as the most disturbing of all her positions, especially since ​Roe v Wade​ could now be vulnerable with the confirmation of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh.

Rabbitt’s biggest donors came from outside the district in the form of twin $10,000 donations from the New York City-based Rent Stabilization Association, which is the biggest lobbying group of landlords in New York State. So we can’t imagine her showing much sympathy for the plight of low income and middle class residents who are renters in the County. Metzger also has some big money from outside the district but mostly from environmental groups and those who support those particular causes. Metzger has worked hard and has made herself well known in Sullivan County from the moment she entered the race in the primary. She is well-versed on the challenges that are faced by farmers, by families of opioid addicts and by families of all shapes and sizes struggling to pay for medications and healthcare and those who need more access to quality education. She also knows that the future of tourism in Sullivan and in her nearby Ulster County can’t depend entirely on the success or failure of a casino. Finally, Metzger not only issued a statement in the immediate aftermath of the Pittsburgh synagogue murders, but attended a memorial service on behalf of the victim’s last Sunday afternoon in Monticello. Contrast that with Rabbitt, who at press time had not issued ANY statement about the anti-Semitic shootings, and who -- on the same day of the massacre -- attended a local fundraiser for the National Rifle Association with John Faso.

The Sullivan Times Editor & Publisher: Rich Klein PO Box 502 Jeffersonville NY 12748 sullivancatskillstimes@gmail.com Follow Us On Facebook and Instagram