Scores Turn Out to Demand Zeldin Hear Their Concerns Over Trump

RIVERHEAD, NY — "You represent me." "Health care is a human right." "Great countries provide great healthcare."

Waving signs and carrying letters in the cold morning rain, a crowd of more than 60 East End residents turned out Tuesday to bring their fears and concerns over Donald Trump to Congressman Lee Zeldin's office doorstep in Riverhead.

Greenport mother Kathryn Quigley spoke to the crowd: "We are here, not as disgruntled voters, nor extremists, nor sore losers. We are here as concerned constituents. We are here to remind Lee Zeldin that he represents all of us, diverse constituents with diverse but considerable concerns, from women’s rights to immigration to discrimination to health care," she said.

"We are here while Congress — and presumably the congressman — is in DC taking steps to repeal healthcare for millions of Americans with no alternative plan in sight. And, while, just last night, House Republicans voted to gut the Independent House Ethics Committee — completing weakening its own government watchdog against corruption at a time when voters just pulled a lever to 'drain the swamp.'"

A statement from the congressman's office said "Zeldin was opposed" to the measure to gut the House ethics committe "and the controversial amendment was pulled due to opposition from the Congressman and others in the House. A similar proposal was introduced in the House in 2016 and Congressman Zeldin voted against it, as well."

The group turned out on the first day that Congress reconvened, Quigley said, "to remind Mr. Zeldin that he does not have a mandate, that while he may have been re-elected, his seat has been held by both Democrats and Republicans over the years. We are here to share our stories. We are here, and we will continue to be here, asking to be heard and we hope the congressman will listen, remember us and act with all his constituents interests, concerns and stories in mind."

After demonstrating outside, the group met inside Zeldin's office with Mark Woolley, district director, where the group was treated with courtesy, Quigley said.

In the office, they voiced concerns about a plan by the GOP to gut the independent ethics committee, as well as the possible repeal of the Affordable Care Act without a viable plan to replace the measure.

Woolley said Zeldin would put out a statement regarding the independent ethics committee later on Tuesday.

Other concerns included climate change and its impact on the East End; Woolley said Zeldin has "made it known that he's very much aware of climate change. We know it's an important issue and something that's very much on our agenda."

Residents from both the North and South Forks turned out to let "Lee Zeldin know not all his constituents support the Trump agenda," organizers said.

Constituents of the NY's 1st district will presented Zeldin's office with "stacks of letters outlining our positions on Trump's transition appointments and his promises re: health care, DACA, conflicts of interest and the rise in discrimination," organizers said. More than 60 signed letters were presented.

Speakers included Anne Trimble of Trimble's Nursery in Cutchogue, who spoke on immigration, Jim Shaw, a North Fork business owner, who spoke on LGBTQ rights, and Julie Sheehan of East Quogue on the Affordable Care Act.

Zeldin voted to repeal the ACA, Sheehan said. "There's a reason we have this thing — because the old system didn't work. A vote to repeal Obamacare is a vote for death," she said.

The North Fork based group has a change.org petition, "Tell Lee Zeldin We Reject the Trump Agenda," which has 100 supporters so far out of 200 sought, and a Facebook group, "Let's Visit Lee Zeldin."

"Many people in the community have been discussing their many concerns since the election: including but not limited to the rise in hate crimes nationally, concerns for the local immigrant population, Russian interference in the election, many of Trump's Cabinet nominees, climate change denial, and the plan to take away healthcare for millions of Americans," said Quigley, who helped to organize the gathering.

"We recognize that it is imperative that our elected leaders hear from us regarding these concerns. Congressman Zeldin is our direct link to what happens in Washington. Residents from Riverhead, Shelter Island and the North and South Forks will meet tomorrow with staff from Congressman Lee Zeldin's office to share their stories and how they will be directly affected by potential legislation, to present letters regarding their concerns from dozens of constituents, to ensure that the congressman knows that his constituents are paying attention and that we are asking him to pay attention to all the people he represents," she said.

"The Congressman always appreciates hearing from constituents and encourages an open dialogue with residents in NY-1," a statement from Zeldin's office read.

The letter that the group plans to present to Zeldin reads as follows:

"Dear Mr. Zeldin,

We are your constituents in NY’s First Congressional District. We are writing to express some concerns regarding the incoming administration and the 115th session of Congress. Some of our specific concerns are detailed below and we ask that you, as our representative, take these concerns into consideration and act in accordance with them in your actions, words and votes in the coming months.

Preserving the Affordable Care Act. We are deeply concerned about the plan to repeal ACA, and that there is no sufficient plan to replace it. This act has been successful in ensuring that more of your district’s residents have access to the healthcare they need. We ask that you vote against any legislation that has a goal of repealing this act, especially without providing comparable alternatives for millions of Americans. We fundamentally oppose a path of “repeal and delay.”

Russian interference in the U.S. presidential election and congressional races. We ask that you vocally support your Senate colleagues calling for a special select committee to investigate the Russian hacking of DNC and DCCC emails, and the hacking of the private e-mails of John Podesta. Such an investigation is crucial to insuring the integrity of our electoral system. A special select committee, including representatives of the Foreign Affairs/Relations and committees (on which you serve), the Armed Services committees and the Intelligence committees, rather than a subcommittee of the Intelligence committee (as proposed by Sen. McConnell) is essential to insuring that the public is made fully aware of the extent to which Russia has tried to interfere in our electoral process.

The President-Elect’s many conflicts of interest. We ask you to call on the President-elect to divest himself of his business interests and put his assets in a true blind trust during his tenure as president. While the President-elect may not be under legal obligation to so, we remind you that the mere appearance of impropriety is likely to cast a cloud over the incoming administration.

Preserving Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). Many of your constituents are immigrants, whose family members benefit from this act. We request that you oppose any legislation introduced that would threaten many residents in your district.

The rise in hate crimes and discriminatory and racist acts, locally and nationally. Given the diversity of your district, and that it hosts a well-known KKK group, it is vital that you proactively speak out against any and all divisive and hateful actions and speech that put minorities and our democracy at risk. We also fundamentally and vehemently oppose any new legislation that discriminates against people for their race, religion, gender or sexual identity, including the First Amendment Defense Act, and any bans on Muslims or Muslim registries. We ask you to do the same.

Steve Bannon as senior advisor. Given Bannon’s history of promoting white nationalism and the “alt-right” agenda, he is an exceptionally poor choice for such a pivotal position within a new administration. We ask that you add your voice to the others seeking to prevent this non-Senate-confirmation appointment.
Michael Flynn as National Security Advisor. A documented history of sharing classified material (something that should especially concern you as a former MI officer and as an active member of the Army Reserve), spreading fake news, and close ties with Russia disqualify him for the role. Although Gen. Flynn is not subject to Senate confirmation, we urge you to oppose his taking on the role of National Security Advisor.

The President-elect’s Cabinet nominees. We ask you to officially call for in-depth investigations of these individuals during the confirmation process, and commit to opposing those nominations, and urging your Senate colleagues to do the same, if evidence is presented that a nominated individual are either manifestly unqualified, or holds or has held, positions contrary to the interests of the United States or our founding principles.

• Rex Tillerson as Secretary of State. Given his history of acting in opposition to US policies, his lack of government experience and his concerning ties to Russian president Vladimir Putin, there is nothing to qualify him to represent this nation’s interests abroad. Mr. Tillerson’s predecessor as Exxon-Mobil CEO has stated that Exxon-Mobil is NOT an American company, but an international one, and what’s good for Exxon-Mobil is not always what’s good for the United States.
• Jeff Sessions as Attorney General. His racist statements, demeaning comments about Muslims and skepticism of climate change are deeply troubling. We need a nominee who will defend all people in this country, regardless of their race, religion, ethnicity, or sexual identity. Sen. Sessions position on climate change is particularly worrisome to those of us on the East End.
• Scott Pruitt to lead the EPA. A climate change denier and promoter of fossil fuels as the primary energy source, Pruitt has demonstrated that he will not adequately protect our nation and world from the devastating effects of climate change.
• Betsy DeVos as Education Secretary. With no background in education and a proven track record of opposition to public schools, DeVos’ appointment will bring to the national scene an individual devoid of the skills and knowledge necessary to promote and improve the education of our nation’s children.
• Andrew Puzder as labor secretary. Mr Puzder is on the record in opposition to a fair minimum raise and access to overtime. This restaurant owner is also on the record for wishing to build one that is “employee free.”

We commit to remaining in communication with you regarding these issues, and others, as they arise.
We believe the United States of America and the First District are already great, and that Americans and Long Islanders are best served by a government that protects the most vulnerable, ensures freedom and opportunity for all, and strengthens the institutions that help keep our environment, country and people safe, educated and healthy. We ask you to act with those values in mind in your role as our elected representative.

Thank you for your time and consideration of our deeply held concerns."

Patch photos by Kathryn Quigley.