Legislator Ryan Taylor Issued Statement From Legislator Kline

by Contributor | April 12, 2026 7:00 pm

 Legislator Ryan Taylor issued the following statement in response to comments made by Legislator Kline during the April Human Services Committee meeting:

“I am outraged and deeply disturbed by the inflammatory and heartless remarks made on the record during our April Human Services Committee meeting. While discussing the needs of our most vulnerable residents—the unhoused—the legislator stated publicly, during a live?streamed session: ‘homelessness is the city’s most of us out in the country have dogs and guns.’

This statement is not only profoundly insensitive, it is wholly incompatible with the responsibilities of a member of the legislature and Human Services Committee. This committee oversees policy affecting the Department of Social Services, the agency tasked with supporting individuals and families experiencing homelessness. To dismiss human beings in crisis with language invoking intimidation and violence is unacceptable from anyone in public office.

There are over 1100 unhoused individuals in Oswego County 5% of which are veterans suffering with PTSD. Each one is a resident deserving of dignity, respect, and equal representation. Our fundamental obligation as elected officials is to protect the civil rights of all constituents especially the elderly, the disabled, and those experiencing homelessness. Comments like these undermine that duty and send a dangerous message that some lives are less worthy of compassion or protection.

Oswego County residents deserve leadership that recognizes the humanity of every person who calls this county home. Anything less is a failure of public service.

Homelessness can happen to any of us it’s as simple as missed rent or mortgage payments due to illness or injury, I encourage legislator kline to have a conversation with our unhoused and hear their stories of the abuse, trauma and the lack of affordable housing

If you or someone you now are unhoused or seeking assistance, please call 211

 Ryan Taylor

25^th district Oswego County Legislature

Source URL: https://oswegocountytoday.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/legislator-ryan-taylor-issued-statement-from-legislator-kline/

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