Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Posted by Webmaster, 5/5/10 at 8:10:49 AM.

By Natasha Schuyler '10

Behavior was outstanding when Arcuri, congressional representative for the 24th district, spoke to seniors on Monday.

Health care was the first topic discussed. Arcuri voted no on the bill. "It didn't bring cost down...[it] had a couple of ways paying for it I didn't like," says Arcuri. "[It] taxes the wealthiest Americans, [and there is a] provision in the bill [on] how much we give doctors...the bill reduced how much...[and we] are losing doctors. That's why I had to vote no."

This area is the home of Revere Copper and Brass, which has been serving this area for decades. Because Copper has recently been found to be antimicrobial, hospitals will eventually convert surfaces from stainless steal to copper in hopes of reducing hospital born illnesses. Demand for copper would increase jobs at places like Revere, which is good news for the area.

Arcuri, who is a part of the transportation committee, plans to lobby for high speed rail that would connect Chicago, New York City, and Washington D.C. the rail would pass through the Mohawk Valley, which in turn would create job growth in the area. Although there are things the government can do to help increase jobs, Arcuri says, "really, it is the private sector that creates jobs."

Government spending has been an issue in Washington. Arcuri is working to fix that in his own office. Arcuri managed to cut 8% of his offices expenses. He is now trying to get other congressman to do the same with the Belt Tightening Act. The act would call for each office to cut spending by 5%, this is insignificant to the 13 trillion dollar deficit the country is in, but it could be the start of progress.

The young voter demographic has the lowest voter turn out. Candidates can disregard issues that are important for that group, and still hold office. Arcuri showed that he cares about this often left-out group.

"I need to be saying what is important to you," says Arcuri "I need to listen"