HUDSON — Battle Ground New York, comprised of several groups including the Working Families Party, 1199 SEIU and the Indivisible Communication Workers of America assembled 25 people at a pro-union rally in 7th Street Park on Monday.
Appearing at the rally were Columbia County District Attorney-elect Chris Liberati-Conant, Columbia County Democratic Party Chairman Sam Hodge, Mayor Kamal Johnson, 3rd Ward Supervisor Michael Chameides and 4th Ward Supervisor Linda Mussmann.
“I’m here to support to health care access to all,” Johnson said. “There’s a lot that needs to be done to support our health care workers. Wherever their support is needed for health care access, you’ll find me there.”
Liberati-Conant said when unions and Democrats come together, it will yield positive results.
“The district attorney election showed what unions and democrats can do together,” Liberati-Conant said.
Crystal Perry, political organizer for 1199 SEIU United HealthCare Workers, said the genesis of the coalition is based on sharing the same beliefs, morals and the needs of the community and constituents of Congressional District 19.
“Today is the launch of Battle Ground New York in Congressional District 19,” Perry said. “It is a coalition of partners consisting of 1199 SEIU, Working Families Party and Indivisible Communication Workers of America. We feel collectively we will be able to go out there and make sure we have the correct representation in Washington, D.C.
Perry said the purpose of the rally is to let U.S. Rep. Marc Molinaro, R-19, know that some constituents feel they are being misrepresented.
“Today is to shed light for the constituents of Congressional District 19, on how we’re being misrepresented in Washington,” Perry said. “The folks of CD19 face a lot of issues, and they’re being failed by U.S. Rep. Marc Molinaro. We want Molinaro to say what he means and mean what he says. Don’t tell the constituents that you believe in them, but in Washington you vote for something different.”
Other main points of contention with Molinaro is his stance on abortion rights, and his votes supporting Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, and Rep. Mike Johnson, R-La., for Speaker of the House.
“He has stood against abortion rights for women and their right to choose,” Perry said. “There’s a long list of things he’s voted against that are not in the best interest of the district.”
Hodge, who also stood in solidarity with the cause said Molinaro has not done well by the people of Columbia County.
“I think it’s great that so many people showed up to send Molinaro a message, he’s doing a terrible job for Columbia County” Hodge said. “He’s voted for guys like Rep. James “Mike” Johnson, R-La, and Jim Jordan, we’re going to do anything we can to make sure he’s not re-elected”.
Dan Kraz, the communications director for Molinaro responded to the claims made by the newly established Battle Ground New York Group.
“The far-left Working Families Party plans to spend millions of dollars on an attack campaign, but won’t put any of those resources into rooting out antisemitism in their own party. How can they preach on any issue and not address that”?