Suozzi encourages people to be active and engaged

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Some people were turned away at Congressman Tom Suozzi’s town hall event at the JCC in Plainview on Feb. 23 because the large gym was filled to capacity. Others had to stand. When the John Lennon protest song “Power to the People” began, the crowd clapped and cheered. Many also waved signs calling attention to a variety issues, from the importance.

The 300 plus audience were primarily middle aged, but some senior citizens were there too, including former U.S. Congressman Lester Wolff, who is 98. “You have a good man representing you in Congress,” said Wolff, when introduced by Suozzi. Then he added, he is certain that Suozzi will get the job done.

Suozzi, a Democrat, is a junior congressman, who represents District 3. He was visibly pleased by the magnitude of the crowd and their enthusiasm. “This is so inspiring,” he said. “This is what our country is about. It’s a blessing that so many people are active and engaged.”

He encouraged everyone to become involved in “N.Y.’s Third Will be Heard,” an initiative he’s created which divides his congressional district into 16 neighborhoods to be manned by volunteers who will write letters to the editor, attend town halls meetings to discuss issues and support future candidates for office.

“Democrats haven’t done a good enough job organizing locally,” Suozzi said. “We need to spread the word, go door-to-door and persuade people. By being involved, you can have an impact on things.”

People did not comment very much on three of the issues which Suozzi tried to highlight — the unusual relationship between Pres. Trump and Putin; the travel ban; and immigration deportation — but several did share their opinions on saving the Affordable Care Act.

“We need to mend it, don’t end it,” said Suozzi, sympathizing with those who said they were worried they will lose their coverage because they have preexisting conditions, like cancer. “We do need to see what the Republicans are going to propose and then see what makes sense.”

Suozzi expressed concern regarding the potential relationship between Trump and Putin. “There’s something weird going on here,” he said, promising to “keep pushing and fighting to get the answers.”

“What we need is a nonpartisan committee to investigate the Russian influence on the election,” Suozzi added. “We need people that will put country before party.”

The Trump travel ban, he said, makes us less safe. “It is not who we are,” Suozzi said. “All men are created equal. Not just people with a green card.”

Suozzi is worried that those fearful of being deported will form underground communities. “It doesn’t work when the public doesn’t trust the police force,” Suozzi reasoned. “If someone is a criminal deport them, but not for a driving infraction.”

Several times throughout the evening he spoke against divisiveness. Suozzi is part of a congressional problem solvers caucus, which includes 20 Democrats and 20 Republicans. He says he hopes the group can effect change.

When someone yelled, “Impeach Trump!” Suozzi paused. “Now if I say that the Republicans won’t work with us,” Suozzi said. “We can’t hate Trump supporters. Many are in desperate situations and don’t know what they’ve gotten themselves into.”

Then he asked for a show of hands of those who have never been involved in politics until now. Over half of the crowd raised their hands. “There are people all over the country like you,” Suozzi said. “Look, I will continue to do my part — fight, send press releases, co-sponsor bills — but in order to get anything done I need for all of you to get organized so you can be a powerbase for me.”

After two hours people began to leave, but not before hearing Suozzi’s parting request. “Don’t be divided,” he said. “Talk to each other.”