Wednesday night's meeting began with some local news, then a report from the Q (Quality of Life) Team, and representatives of the local elected officials. Then the meeting went into the candidates forum. Invited were 82nd assembly district, Incumbent Assemblyman Michael Benedetto, his opponent Irene Guanill, 14th Congressional District Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (who was a no show), and her opponent Diamont Hysenj. The questions were given in rotation as no one candidate was always first to answer. Below are answers by the two assembly candidates only.
Assemblyman Benedetto was first to give his opening speech, where he said he has been in office a long time, he likes the job, and wants to continue in office, or if he was not doing a good job he will be fired on Election Day. Next was candidate Irene Guanill, who said that she lives in Country Club, has been a successful busineswoman for over twenty-five years in Pelham Bay, and that the many people she has spoken to say they feel that they are not being represented.
Questions began with the Bronx being the poorest county and having the highest crime rate. Incumbent Benedetto plans to make sure people aren't poor, mentioning a one time free bus route pilot, one in each borough and free childcare, while he blamed Washington for cuts. Candidate Guanill said she was the youngest of eight children, capitalism allowed her an opportunity to advance, the Sanctuary City is failing us, and she wants mothers to stay home nuturing their little children and not have a school do it.
One question was about addressing the loss of police officers. Assembly candidate Guanill said that police officers need to be respected and feel protected. Incumbent Benedetto said everyone belives more cops are needed, he has always supported the police and that the PBA is supporting him.
To a question of Flash Flooding Incumbent Benedetto said the city needs to fix lower Manhattan and there is climate change. Candidate Guanill said Con Edison can change rates at anytime thanks to a bill co-sponsored by Incumbent Benedetto and signed by Incumbent Kathy Hochul which needs to be fixed.
To a question about Homeless Shelters and where to place them, candidate Guanill said the city spends thousands of dollars forcing people into shelters rather than giveng them real apartments which would be much cheaper. Incumbent Benedetto said he was in Albany and didn't know that a homeless shelter was going up in his district.
Other questions were about schools of choice and car ownerhip, which Incumbent Benedetto was not in favor of school choice. He owns a car and said people can use mass transit, and E-Bikes are wonderful. Candidate Guanill said there should be neighborhood schools and Charter Schools should be for anyone. She said cars are a necessity to seniors and people should not be forced to give up their cars by a certain time in the future.
Lightning round yes or no questions were defund the police both assembly candidate said no. In favor of ICE, Benedetto no, Guanill yes. Tax the Rich Benedetto yes, Guanill no. Should cell phones be banned in schools both said yes.
Early voting begins Saturday October 24th running through Sunday November 1st, with Election Day on Tuesday November 3rd.
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