Young Voters Getting Involved in New York’s 21st Congressional District

With Election Day only a few weeks away, the candidates for the 21^st Congressional District participated in another debate. This debate was a little bit different from the others as the candidates answered questions from local high school seniors. The usual topics for debates were addressed like the importance of minimum wage, women’s rights, and abortion.

 One topic that was very important for many in attendance was the issue of student loans. Green Party candidate Matt Funiciello argued that it is time for leaders to make public schools free. His argument was that if public money was used to build these institutions, why are students being charged twice. On this issue Democrat Aaron Woolf was in favor of the Know Before You Owe Legislation created by Senator Dick Durbin. This legislation allowed to students to receive the necessary information about student loans. Republican representative Elise Stefanik stressed that the “affordability of schools” needs to be addressed. She also explained that it is important that jobs are available to students after they graduate. Stefanik explained the importance of vocational schools in today’s economy. 

   (Left to Right: Green Party rep. Funiciello, Reb Rep. Stefanik, Dem. Rep. Woolf.)

Another issue that highlighted the debate on Monday was the issue of military spending. The Department of Defense laid out a new budget that decreased the number of active-duty soldiers from 520,000 to about 440,000. This is important in the North Country as it affects the numbers of soldiers stationed in Fort Drum. Republican Elise Stefanik heavily criticized President Obama for the threat of cutting the numbers of active soldiers and said that it is important that the amount of money pushed into the military should stay the same. Green Party Candidate Matthew Funiciello said at the debate on Monday that there should be a decrease in military spending. He explained that the D.O.D should focus more of their spending on the welfare of our veterans. Funiciello also criticized the president role in declaring military action. Aaron Woolf, the Democratic candidate agreed with Green Party candidate Funiciello’s points about improving the welfare of veterans. However Woolf also added that the military should be used as an equipment of diplomacy rather than an equipment of destruction. 

  The three candidates will have a televised debate on Tuesday.