CD-17 Forum at Bedford Hills Community House

BDC Chair Michael Minard moderates, with John Sullivan, Beth Davidson and Nick Porfilio at the Bedford Hills Community House

On Wednesday, May 28th, Bedford hosted the first of three candidates forums that will present 11 individuals seeking to be the next Democratic Congressional candidate for NY-17. The District includes parts of Westchester and Dutchess Counties, and all of Rockland and Putnam Counties.  Because of the large number of contenders, Suzanne Berger, Chair of the Westchester County Democratic Committee, and Bruce Campbell, 2nd Vice Chair of the WCDC, decided to divide the hopefuls into three groups, presenting in person and on Zoom, on three separate evenings. (See our “Events” pages.)

            Wednesday’s Forum was not a debate in format, and a good-natured comity was the tone of this first evening. There was often agreement on policy: whether about affordability, health care, women’s reproductive rights, civil liberties, or gun safety, Beth Davidson, John Sullivan and Nick Porfilio held solid Democratic positions. A common theme of each was that Republican Mike Lawler does not represent the values of our district, and needs to be replaced. Each pointed out that Lawler presents as a moderate while being a MAGA supporter in Congress.

            Eighty people attended in person with almost as many on Zoom. Audience questions raised concerns about engaging voters by countering toxic messaging and policies of the current Administration as supported by Congressman Lawler.  

            It was a vibrant first forum. Yorktown and Sleepy Hollow will host next.