A Heartfelt Congressional Debate in -NY-16: George Latimer vs. Dr. Miriam Levitt-Flisser

By Dan Murphy

The Westchester County League of Women Voters hosted a debate between the two candidates for Congress in New York’s 16th District, which covers middle and lower Westchester County. Democrat George Latimer and Republican Dr. Miriam Levitt-Flisser warmly exchanged their views on the problems facing voters.

Why are you running for Congress?

Latimer: The person you want to send to Washington must best understand these communities and have a deep understanding of their needs, which are not all the same. You also need to have a track record of getting things done. It will not be easy to achieve anything in Parliament.

“I have proven over the years that I understand the work and energy required to achieve results. This isn’t about how often you can access MSNBC. I have proven that I can stand up to my party and work cooperatively with my party and across party lines.”

Dr. Levitt-Flisser: “I am a pediatrician. I was born in Europe, my parents smuggled me out. The USA gave me the opportunity to study and pursue a career in medicine. My gratitude motivates me.

“I was the mayor of Scarsdale. You deserve to be safe. You deserve your schools to be responsive to parents. You deserve a secure border and a government that uses your tax dollars wisely.

Does the federal government have a role in regulating free speech?

Latimer: “When some go into areas where they misrepresent the truth, it has a negative impact on society. But who becomes the thought police? I don’t feel comfortable with the government having that power.”

Dr. Flisser: “How rare is it that we have freedom of expression in the world? Even England and Canada don’t have our freedom of speech. I don’t believe language should be used as a weapon; it can harm children.”

What do you think about campaign finance reform?

Dr. Flisser – In New York State, you can currently use a grant funded by your taxes for campaign funds. I don’t support that.

Latimer – After the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in a citizens’ initiative that spending money is the same as free speech, those with more money can spend more of it. If you want to get a lot of money out of politics, you’re going to have a hard time. I was overwhelmed in most of my political races.”

Immigration:

Latimer: “The bipartisan effort in the Senate was moving in the right direction. We need more security, but you don’t need a big wall. Any new draft law should also include a revision of asylum law. We had to deal with migrants coming to Westchester and I suggested that they open immigration courts here. The entire system needs to be overhauled. But you also have to be realistic and have a program for immigrants.”

Dr. Flisser: “I am an immigrant. I came here legally and spent two years waiting in a refugee camp in Germany. 300,000 migrant children have been lost in our country. They experience something much worse than child labor. This is what happens when you allow an open border. I am also against the increase in crime that comes with the increasing immigration of migrants. It’s not sustainable and I believe in a safe border.”

Gun control:

Latimer: “There is no proposal to take guns away from people, but to prevent guns from getting into the hands of criminals through universal background checks, people need to wait a few days. That doesn’t mean taking away their right to have a gun.”

Abortion:

Latimer: “You have to leave it up to the individual to make the decision. There are people who want to restrict it greatly. I believe that if you have a Republican House of Representatives and a Republican Senate and a Republican President, you will put forward a bill that ends a woman’s right to have an abortion and restricts or ends a woman’s right to choose.”

Dr. Flisser: “I am for life. We should continue our good New York policies, and I hope we don’t have to follow the federal rules.”

Should there be changes to the US Supreme Court?

Dr. Flisser “I don’t think Congress should pack the court. The court must be independent and not influenced by outsiders. I am against such changes – I believe in the separation of powers.

Latimer: “We agree that we should not add justices to the court. You may end up with more judges you don’t like. I believe in ethical standards for all three branches of government.”

Final note:

Dr. Flisser: “In other debates, people argued with each other. This is how it should be done. People can listen and vote however they want.

Latimer: “I have great respect for her medical career and her time as mayor of Scarsdale. This is a real dialogue of democracy. I had a primary school earlier this year and it wasn’t that welcoming.

“I had no desire to go to Congress at that point in my life. Circumstances within my political party urged me to enter this race. I felt that the incumbent was not adequately representing this district. I’m going to Washington ready to negotiate and cooperate across borders. If we can find common ground on immigration and other issues, my service will be worthwhile. “

Both Laitmer and Flisser supported restoring the unlimited SALT tax deduction. Watch the debate