We asked the NY governor candidates 6 questions on major issues. 1 responded
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The next governor of New York will take office facing immediate matters of consequence.
Abortion, crime and inflation have shaped the race so far, but he or she will also be responsible for managing a state budget with an expected recession looming and dealing with legal challenges to its gun laws.
The USA TODAY Network New York asked both candidates for governor about some of these issues in an attempt to inform voters about their choices at the top of the ballot next week.
But only one candidate responded: Democratic incumbent Kathy Hochul, who is seeking her first full term.
The Network sent the same questions to Hochul and her Republican challenger, U.S. Rep. Lee Zeldin, in September. When Zeldin did not respond, the Network followed up in October and received no response.
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Here are the questions we sent, and the responses we received, unedited:
Kathy Hochul
Party: Democratic
Residence: Albany
Age: 64
More:Abortion rights champion as concern over crime is growing: What to know about Kathy Hochul
Q: Would you seek the adoption of any new gun control measures following the Bruen decision at the Supreme Court? If yes, what? If no, why not?
Immediately following the Supreme Court’s reckless decision in the Bruen case, Governor Hochul called the legislature back for a special session to pass nation-leading concealed carry legislation that established sensitive locations like daycare centers and schools as gun-free zones, while also increasing eligibility requirements for those seeking concealed carry permits. The governor will continue to take decisive action to curb the proliferation of guns on New York’s streets.
What is your plan to reduce crime?
Keeping New Yorkers safe is job number one for Governor Hochul. Her Interstate Task Force removed a record 6,007 illegal guns across New York during the first seven months of 2022. The governor has also signed legislation expanding New York’s Red Flag law and created a community-focused rapid-response unit to address and prevent hate crimes. Her budget also included historic levels of funding for community-based violence prevention groups and technology upgrades for police officers.
What, if any, measures should New York government take on abortion and access to one?
Governor Hochul believes that New York should remain a safe harbor for abortion access and will protect a woman’s right to choose. She has provided a nation-leading $35 million investment to support abortion providers and ensure access for patients seeking abortion care in New York. She also signed legislation to protect the rights of patients and empower reproductive healthcare providers, while championing the Equality Amendment, which will enshrine abortion rights into the state constitution.
How specifically would you address inflation?
The governor has taken several steps aimed at combating inflation and improving affordability for New Yorkers. She provided $475 million in tax relief for nearly 1.8 million eligible low-income New Yorkers and accelerated the distribution of $2.2 billion in tax relief to more than 2 million people through her new homeowner tax rebate credit. In addition, Governor Hochul also temporarily suspended the statewide gas and diesel tax, actions which will directly help New Yorkers fight rising costs.
Will you accept the election results in November?
Governor Hochul will accept the election results in November.
What is your top policy priority, how do you intend to achieve it and why do you think you deserve to be elected in November?
Governor Hochul’s top priority is building a safer, stronger, and more affordable state for all. She has made record investments in education, child care, infrastructure, and affordable housing, while providing New Yorkers with much-needed tax relief. She has protected reproductive rights, strengthened gun safety laws, and made New York a national leader on fighting climate change. Governor Hochul is a proven leader committed to protecting New York’s core values and delivering results.
Lee Zeldin
Party: Republican
Residence: Shirley
Age: 42
More:Tough on crime, silent on gun control: What to know about Lee Zeldin
Q: Would you seek the adoption of any new gun control measures following the Bruen decision at the Supreme Court? If yes, what? If no, why not?
Zeldin did not respond.
What is your plan to reduce crime?
Zeldin did not respond.
What, if any, measures should New York government take on abortion and access to one?
Zeldin did not respond.
How specifically would you address inflation?
Zeldin did not respond.
Will you accept the election results in November?
Zeldin did not respond.
What is your top policy priority, how do you intend to achieve it and why do you think you deserve to be elected in November?
Zeldin did not respond.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Kathy Hochul, Lee Zeldin Q&A on abortion, inflation, crime
