Editorial: Lowey Has Earned Another Term in 17th Congressional District
When it comes down to who you want representing you during a national crisis, experience wins, hands down.
As a 24-year incumbent and senior member of the House of Representatives, Nita Lowey has the position, the power and indeed the energy to get a lot done in Washington for New York’s 17th Congressional District.
Lowey’s Republican opponent, Rye Supervisor Joe Carvin has brought many good points to the table regarding fiscal policy and good business practices for running a government. He has had the opportunity to try some of his ideas with good results in the Town of Rye. And while some may argue that running a country is like running a business, others may say the risks involved in taking a chance on an idealized notion are too unsure.
Lowey is a steady presence and clear in her knowledge that balance and compromise is what it takes to make a decision and to ensure that the business of a country moves forward. At the core of this is the notion that a country is not an entrepreneurial venture with one visionary at the head.
On this count, independent candidate Frank Morganthaler is driven by his own value set that at times seems at odds with the general movement of society. It is difficult to accept that protection of a citizen’s Second Amendment right to bear arms could possibly provide a reason to not ban automatic assault weapons for use and ownership by the general public.
It is also questionable that his solution to quell violence by controlling it and toning down the violence in video games may not be an incursion on free speech rights protected by the First Amendment, which Morganthaler says he wants to protect. In a large and growing society the rights of the individual are paramount, but these individuals also have to live and work together. Guns seem to send the wrong message at the bargaining table.
In his very eager and well-intentioned approach to the national debate, Carvin has stated his desire to change the way government operates. That is an honorable goal and Carvin has the drive and the intelligence to possibly make a dent–if people would listen to him. On this point, it seems that in the conversation to find out where change is best promoted, talking and working one-on-one with the constituents is where the ideas unfold and the work is done.
In her district, Lowey has taken the work of the Small Business Administration out to the people and worked with the employers to pursue change. Her understanding of the different types of jobs, their influence on the health and well-being of the employed and their needs has allowed her to see where programs might be tweaked and improved rather than overthrown for something untried and new.
Lowey has been accused by both of her opponents as being a proponent of big government and big spending. She has acknowledged the overspending and regulatory problems with some programs and has stated her intentions to pursue fixes where necessary. It will be wise for her to act on these promises vigorously.
Morganthaler’s attacks on both Carvin and Lowey that they are socialist liberals makes little sense. Morganthaler promotes a national policy of isolationism where Carvin speaks of citizens of the world and Lowey acknowledges that a foreign policy based on cooperation among nations is the most secure for our future. Lowey’s advocacy for women’s rights and education of girls in poor countries is paramount for a healthy global interaction.
Lowey’s stance that nuclear power does not belong close to one of the world’s major cities is brave, because the ongoing push in the direction of money being the only real issue of import has gained momentum. She is aware that 2,000 jobs are at stake and that viable alternatives must be presented and is willing to compromise to find a realistic solution. On the other hand, Carvin is willing to take the NRC at face value because it seems he tends to drift toward the side of business when it comes to a choice between environmental and fiscal concerns.
In the end, each of these candidates have a big heart. Morganthaler cannot do enough for veterans who have fought and sacrificed for our country. Carvin wants to embrace the world community and he’s eager to make positive change in a big sweeping way. But Lowey has the heart, patience and fortitude to pursue solution, always listening to find the thread that will bring forward a truth to build compromise. That is the energy we need today.
Adam has worked in the local news industry for the past two decades in Westchester County and the broader Hudson Valley. Read more from Adam’s author bio here.
