Molinaro visits downtown Cortland

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Business owners on Cortland’s Main Street told Congressional nominee Marc Molinaro of their problems Friday: difficulties hiring, child-care problems and more.

Molinaro, a Republican and former Dutchess County executive who faces Democrat Josh Riley of Tompkins County for the 19th District seat, visited the city of Cortland to meet its constituents and speak with Main Street business owners.

“He’s a very nice fellow,” said customer Paul Husted. “I’m gonna vote for him. I was quite surprised by his visit.”

City residents Gavin and Mark Teeter also took the chance to meet Molinaro. “It’s a big concern regardless of either party whether they care about Cortland County and our neighbors,” Gavin Teeter said. “Even though I may not agree with him politically, I still appreciate him showing interest in our area.”

“We want to talk about how he can benefit our city,” Mayor Scott Steve said. “How can the federal level help us with problems like daycare, mental health and drug reform? We have areas where we don’t have broadband in our county.”

Molinaro offered his thoughts on Cortland County’s broadband access. “High speed internet is just as rivers and highways once were,” said Molinaro. “It’s necessary for job creation now. New York is about 25 years behind in expanding internet access.

If elected, Molinaro said would like to explore and expand internet options other than broadband cable. “Broadband as a cable isn’t getting to certain locations here. But radio, satellite and cellular may.”

Molinaro also discussed how he would help the greater Cortland area’s farmers. “I would like to serve on the House Agriculture Committee,” he said. “We have to open up new markets, particularly for upstate dairy. Make it easier for public institutions like schools to buy from upstate farmers.”

Molinaro toured Main Street with the mayor, city Councilperson Tom Michales (R-8th Ward) and members of the county Republican committee. Molinaro asked business owners and management about problems they face.

Charbel and Hana Karam, who own and operate Pita Gourmet, told Molinaro of their troubles. “Businesses are struggling. Staffing. Prices. Everything,” Charbel Karam said.

“Now we have to close three days a week. It’s only us working. We don’t have any help,” Hana Karam added.

Molinaro discussed the lack of childcare with Eric Cook, owner of The Rock Sports Bar and Grill. “Without access to childcare, you’re without a workforce,” Molinaro said.

Molinaro ended his tour by stopping at the Cortland County Industrial Development Agency, where he discussed infrastructure with Executive Director Garry VanGorder. VanGorder expressed his concern over the need for workforce training, and about the many infrastructure projects both future and ongoing.

Molinaro hopes to use the federal office to get infrastructure money to localities. He said federal infrastructure funding often gets tied up at the state level and does not make it where it is needed most.

“Can we dovetail federal dollars with state dollars? Coordinating that development is what’s going to be important. I want to ensure that federal dollars can be used on design work too. Not just engineering,” he said.

“If we’re gonna deserve to win, we need to produce results,” Molinaro said. “When the roof leaks, it leaks on Republicans and Democrats,” he said.