Scott Murphy honors local fire departments

MILLERTON — He was a little late, but that could be (and was) expected by local residents gathered at the Millerton Firehouse at 8:45 p.m. on Jan. 6, waiting for the opportunity to meet Congressman Scott Murphy. After all, Murphy was in the middle of a press campaign to visit all 137 towns in the 20th Congressional district, and the town of North East was his 12th and final stop of the day.

Murphy arrived at a little past 9 p.m., after visits to the Copake Fire Company and a meet-and-greet at the Ancramdale General Store, carrying with him a flag flown over the United States Capitol, which was presented to the Millerton Fire Company.

“The fire company is the backbone of what’s really making our towns work,� Murphy told the company and those gathered. “Not only do they volunteer their time and put their lives at risk, but they give up time with their families and kids, and I really enjoy getting to say thanks.�

Murphy’s office had only made calls announcing his visit the day before (the congressman explained that it’s often unpredictable when Congress will let out, and his plans had to be scheduled accordingly), and attendance was in the mid-twenties, including members of the fire department, Village Board and local residents.

Murphy stayed until a little before 10 p.m., giving a brief overview of the work he was doing in the capital as well as fielding questions from the audience.

Murphy touched on four issues: He serves on the Agriculture and Armed Services Congressional committees and talked both about dairy issues and how the country was trying to wind down military presence in Iraq while simultaneously sending more troops to Afghanistan.

Murphy mentioned Wall Street reform bills that he hoped would be passed through the Senate, as well as health-care reform. The congressman explained he voted against the bill before the House of Representatives, saying that while it succeeded in terms of access and insurance issues, it was “not nearly enough on the cost side� to win his approval. He stressed that he felt cost negotiations could not wait until after a bill was passed.

“The only way to approach it is exactly the way you do it,� applauded resident DeLora Brooks. “You negotiate up front and do it right the first time.�

“I like the ‘no’ vote on health care,� added resident Bill Ansted later in the evening. “I think it’s moving too fast. You have to slow down and get the thing done right.�

Other topics touched upon included funding for local water and sewer projects. Murphy explained that while 18 different towns in his district have received stimulus funding for water and sewer, there is “way more need than there is money.â€�  He also said the lack of public transportation in the area is an issue he would look into. Agriculture and Farmland Protection Plan Committee Chair Lynn Mordas invited the congressman to visit some of the area’s local farms and to review their draft farmland protection plan.

After answering some questions about the country’s energy independence, how stimulus package funding will affect the future (Murphy said the peak of stimulus funding has already passed) and debunking what he called perpetual rumors about his own health-care benefits, Murphy retired in preparation for another busy day to follow, as the congressman planned to conclude his 137-town visit with 15 events scheduled on Thursday and Friday.