| The next topic focused on the possibility of a constitutional convention. Ranzenhofer said it was a good idea, while Mesi said he would be open to it as long as the outcomes of the convention didn't hurt upstate.
Unfunded mandates were also discussed. Hardwick mentioned that he was appointed to a committee by Erie County Executive Chris Collins. Ranzenhofer said that unfunded mandates are a problem local governments face. Medicaid is the biggest unfunded mandate we have. Ranzenhofer said he would favor shifting people from Medicaid to Healthy New York or Family Health Plus. In other words, Ranzenhofer wants people to pay for their own health care even if they can't afford it. Mesi also said he would like to see reforms to Medicaid and what is offered, saying that there should be base plans offered to those who receive Medicaid.
The next issue brought up was the Taylor Law. I didn't see the relevance of this. It might be an issue, but it's certainly not as big as other issues.
The Rockefeller Drug Laws were addressed as well. Mesi pushed for more leniency with nonviolent offenses and minor drug offenses and pushed for more rehab. Mesi said he wouldn't push for legalization unless it is for medical purposes. Ranzenhofer disagreed with Mesi, saying that it would send a strong message to young people if they made the drug laws more lenient. Ranzenhofer then tried to shift the debate, saying that "we're talking about hardcore criminals," even though Hardwick specifically mentioned nonviolent crimes.
Hardwick asked a quick question before a commercial break about what committees each candidate would seek to serve on if elected. Mesi said he would like to serve on the Senate Health Committee to deal with health care issues. Ranzenhofer said he would seek a post on the Economic Development Committee.
Then came the so-called "hot-button issues" that Hardwick likes to ask of all candidates that come on his show. I'm not a fan of these, especially since other issues went without a mention. But here are the stances on those so-called hot-button issues:
GUN CONTROL
Mesi: Supports the 2nd Amendment
Ranzenhofer: Supports the 2nd Amendment and touted his score from the NRA
DEATH PENALTY
Mesi: Could support for cop killers and terrorists. Otherwise, he is opposed.
Ranzenhofer: Supports death penalty. Tells Mesi that the death penalty for cop killers and terrorists isn't good enough. Ranzehofer mentions serial rapist Altemio Sanchez, the "Bike Path Rapist", as an example of someone who wasn't a cop killer or terrorist who deserves the death penalty.
ABORTION
Mesi: Supports a woman's right to choose and supports Medicaid funding. Also said he would support parental notification and parental consent.
Ranzenhofer: Opposed to abortion and Medicaid funding. Supports parental notification and consent.
GAY MARRIAGE
Mesi: Said he supports equal rights and supports extending those rights to the gay community.
Ranzenhofer: Believes marriage is between a man and a woman.
Hardwick also asked a question about a constitutional amendment for casinos outside of Indian reservations in New York. Both said they are supportive of casinos on the reservations, but Mesi said he would be opposed to such an amendment.
One interesting topic that Hardwick did ask about was the Bottle Bill. Mesi said that he was a supporter of the bill because it would provide an incentive for people to return their empty bottles and receive something in return for their recycling. Ranzenhofer said he as opposed, while also arguing that many people don't take their bottles back to the store and that it would act as another tax on New Yorkers (even though that "tax" would be five cents they get back if they return... their... bottles).
That is where the issues part of the debate ended. I wish Hardwick would ask more questions about things like campaign finance reform/publicly financed elections and mention the Brennan Center report and legislative reforms.
After listening to the debate, Mesi was very strong. He had a shaky moment or two, but he did not stand down from Ranzenhofer's patronizing of him. Ranzenhofer came off as, well, a career politician. He came off as someone who wouldn't be a listener. He came off as someone who would do what he thought was right because of his ideology and opinions.
Ranzenhofer represented more of the same in this debate. Mesi was the clear voice for change and if elected, will provide his constituents with an opportunity to say that they are being represented by a true reformer. |
Mesi had a strong debate and even faced a tough question about his connections to Tom Golisano and Steve Pigeon, which he weathered. Mesi labeled Ranzenhofer as a career politician and Ranzenhofer acted like it at times by trying to tell Mesi how he should act or how he should answer questions. Ranzenhofer patronized Mesi at multiple points throughout the debate and I don't think that did Ranzenhofer any favors.
