The Real Brandon Williams

*All submissions posted in their original format

April 13, 2023

To the editor: Roseann Lorefice

The April 10 town hall meeting at Chittenango High School sponsored by Congressman Brandon Williams served his stated purpose: to introduce himself to his constituents and to address his positions on various issues.

So, I know now for sure that :

o Mr. Williams has no intention of supporting strong gun laws. He does not support a ban on assault rifles because “…only criminals will have these weapons..”. Really? So does this make us safer because EVERYONE will have a gun, even someone with a grudge, someone with mental health issues?
o He recognizes that New York State has some of the most liberal abortion policies AND he hopes to change them since he sees the issue as a states’ rights decision.
o He does not recognize strong efforts to protect our environment. His solution to climate change challenges is nature working by itself, namely photosynthesis (his words!). His idea of clean energy is …”natural gas and nuclear energy…”.
o Mr. William believes that the recent funding for the IRS is akin to increased audits of the middle class that itemizes! He does not consider this as an investment to recouping the money owed by corporations or wealthy individuals who avoid paying their fair share, a gift from the previous administration.

With views such as these, I want Mr. Williams to know that these policies DO NOT align with my views. Contrary to his beliefs, it is not just criminals who possess automatic weapons; pro-life is not pro-life, it is pro-birth that fails to provide the means to support the births: and without strong environmental policies, it will be nearly impossible to provide a healthy environment for our children and grandchildren.

Furthermore, I would like to know why brochures sponsored by the John Birch Society were in evidence. Are the views expressed in them the views of Mr. Williams? Is this the core of his values and priorities? He needs to address this issue and explain himself.

And finally, this town hall format is sorely lacking in allowing Mr. Williams to know what his constituents support. A true town hall allows give and take with questioners not only questioning but allowed to express themselves. It appears that Mr. Williams feels unable and unprepared to truly defend his positions face to face.

He will be holding more town halls across Oneida and Madison Counties, and YES he even consented to hold some in Onondaga County. I encourage concerned constituents to show up and make their views know. Little red cards of disagreement are a civil way to show him what he does not allow us to say in person.

Roseann Lorefice
Patricia Carranti
Manlius, NY

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