Community News

The Pall-Times hosted the debate to a full house at the McCrobie Building for the NYS Assembly candidates, Will Barclay and Gail Tosh. Our own Dan Dalin attended the event and though he is not a journalist, he wanted to make sure the rest of us knew the candidates' positions.

Seth Wallace, Editor for the Palladium Times, managed the hosting responsibilities. The debate began with opening remarks from each candidate, followed by four questions compiled by the Pall-Times, answered in a predetermined order. After each candidate took turns responding to each question, five questions were asked from prior submissions from residents located across the district, spanning Hannibal, Mexico, Fulton, and Oswego. Finally, closing remarks were expressed by each candidate. The candidates were well prepared, and the audience was extremely respectful.

During the opening remarks, Will Barclay started and shared his experience in politics dating back to 2001. He explained his original goals, as a local resident, were to make sure it was an area that was growing in a country that was a place he was comfortable to see his sons live in. Gail Tosh shared her history as a mother and an educator. Ms. Tosh commented that Mr. Barclay and she had similar interests, but she wants to promote the good, protect the people, and be proactive in developing an economic plan for the area.

After their opening remarks, Mr. Wallace asked the first question which related to the level that NYS should be subsidizing the nuclear program, and how that would fit into an economic development plan, Gail Tosh replied first. Ms. Tosh expressed a desire to build a new reactor, and include nuclear power as the foundation of clean power generated in New York State. Mr. Barclay followed by expressing a need for a diverse energy supply that includes gas, nuclear and renewable sources. Mr. Barclay also shared his idea of relicensing the Fitzpatrick facility, explaining that it does not need to close.

The second question related to the local area's needs from Albany, as it relates to education. Will Barclay's position was that current spending on education from Albany is already high, and has increased. He explained a need to correct the current school aid formula to make it more equitable than the current version and to correct the tax burden placed on those located within different school districts. Gail Tosh expressed her belief that there is a need to have representation from people that listen to the needs of the school. She shared a desire to increase the number of counselors, increase the education platform, decrease class sizes and to expand the outreach into communities. Ms. Tosh expressed that funding for the additional services could be provided by finding the missing money that is unaccounted for in the current NYS educational budget.

Mr. Wallace followed with the next question. He asked both candidates to describe the ideal Oswego County economy. Ms. Tosh's response was that everyone to be able to afford to live here. She described two main points necessary to accomplish this: 1) Pass the New York Health Act, thereby reducing the fear of entrepreneurs from their largest potential expense of health care, and, 2) Increase STEM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math), to lead to an educated and trained workforce prepared for a multitude of employment opportunities including the nuclear field along with other vocational and technical fields. Mr. Barclay's position was focused on small businesses. He described small businesses as the backbone of the district's economy. To protect the small business, Mr. Barclay shared a need for fewer state mandates, and a need to make sure that other mandates are truly realistic. He also shared his belief that current government programs are designed to benefit only large business, and that needs to be corrected.

The final question posed from the Pall-Times was asking how the candidates believed that public trust of Albany could be safeguarded. Will Barclay's response included his explanation of his current experience on the Ethics Committee. He shared, with the audience his belief that more control needs to be exhibited on an individual's access to large appropriations, and this could only be accomplished by increasing transparency within Albany. He went on the explain how he believed that the already bipartisan Ethics Committee needed to be restructured further, so the bipartisanship included co-chairpersons from different parties. Gail Tosh shared some of her plan which also included more transparency as well. Ms. Tosh also expressed her belief that there needs to be a reduction in campaign contributions along with a limit on the amount of outside income that legislators are permitted to earn.

Next came the questions selected from residents, including Hannibal, Mexico, Oswego, and Fulton. The first question asked about the biggest challenges facing the area. Mr. Barclay pointed to two major challenges: property taxes and the economy. Mr. Barclay shared his belief that in order to reduce our already high property taxes, there is a need for the state to relieve the county of its $23M Medicaid responsibility. His plan to improve the economy includes lowering the cost of doing business in the area by reducing state mandates, thereby providing a business playing field that is level with the rest of the country and the world. Ms. Tosh also shared her thoughts on improving the local economy and lowering property taxes as they relate to maintaining the current tax base by being proactive in the construction of a replacement nuclear facility.

Care for senior citizens was the focus of the next question. Gail Tosh's position was focused around the passing of the NY Health Act and its ability to provide seniors with affordable medical coverage and adequate housing. Will Barclay rebutted by explaining that the cost of universal health care, like the NY Health Act, must still be paid for by someone and it would double current taxes. He went on to give his position to revitalize the existing EPIC program for seniors and reduce property taxes, including expanding the STAR program.

The solution to the next question was agreed upon by both candidates. How to relieve unfunded mandates on taxes, like DSS and others? Both candidates seek to make adjustments so this is income based, not property tax based. The current scenario passes them down, and it affects small communities and low-income earners the hardest.

The next question was about the environment and what the Assembly's role should be on human impact on climate control. Ms. Tosh expressed her belief that there needs to be more regional representation on the International Joint Commission (IJC). Mr. Barclay placed blame on legislation during the Obama administration, specifically Plan 2014. He went on the explain how he provided relief with a bipartisan proposal that he led. Mr. Barclay went on further, explaining that everyone needs to work together, and giving more examples of his wins and the potential influence he may have based upon his relationship with the new US Chairperson.

The final question was about snowmobiling and individual's access to state land and state-managed wildlife areas. Will Barclay is a long time snowmobile enthusiast. He said that winter and snowmobiling are great economic engines. He also shared that he believes there is too much state land – it's too much for the state to manage and access is too restrictive. All should have access to and enjoy state land. Gail Tosh also explained that tourism is a large part of the NYS economy. She shared her observation that during winter, and salmon season, the tourism causes too much traffic. She blamed this traffic on communities being unprepared. Her view is that the communities need to be provided for and more access is needed to more areas, and these services and coinciding safety provisions need to be provided with the local residents in mind.

The final statements were very generic. Gail Tosh expressed a need for change. She spoke of how new choices will lead to new directions and provide new solutions. She wants to focus on health security, economic growth, and education solutions. Will Barclay revisited his original platform about his track record and experience in the Assembly. He expressed concern over his opponent's lack of knowledge as it relates to the State Budget. He plans to continue to represent his district in the same positive way he has grown accustomed to.

Overall, the event was a success. Both candidates took time before and after the debate to meet and speak with members of the audience. The debate was well organized, had good sound, and Seth Wallace did an outstanding job managing the questions, audience, candidates and time. Most importantly, it was a welcoming environment and informational. For all information relating to voting and the NYS Board of Elections, visit https://www.elections.ny.gov/