Dear Editor,
I challenged two recent letter writers over their attacks on President Trump and Congressman Mike Lawler in the pages of Mahopac News.
Now that Democrats have captured both houses of Congress and Cait Conley has defeated Lawler, perhaps those same critics should turn their attention to something far more important: How on earth are Democrats going to pay for everything they've promised?
For years, liberal Democrats have made an art form out of promising more government programs, more spending and supposedly lower costs for everyone. They campaign as though Washington has an unlimited checking account, conveniently forgetting that taxpayers are the ones expected to replenish it.
Conley campaigned on affordability, but her platform reads like an expensive wish list. Before she even takes office, residents of Putnam, Rockland and Westchester counties deserve answers to two fundamental questions:
Taxes and reckless government spending: Democrats have spent years promising everything while leaving taxpayers with the bill. Now Conley wants expanded Medicare, government healthcare, childcare subsidies, housing assistance and even more federal spending. Enough blank checks! Where is the money coming from? What will she cut, and whose taxes will increase? New Yorkers are already being taxed to death. Democrats have a long history of spending other people's money. It's time they justified every dollar.
Energy and skyrocketing utility bills: Democrats keep promising cheaper energy while Hudson Valley families struggle to pay their electric bills. Conley opposes reopening Indian Point but wants taxpayers to finance more renewable energy projects. Where is the proof that her plan will actually lower our bills? We've heard enough expensive promises and political excuses. Before spending another taxpayer dollar, show us the costs, the savings and how reliable electricity will be guaranteed.
The House Freedom Caucus has already outlined priorities that include spending restraint, border security and energy reform. Whether those proposals ultimately become law remains to be seen, but at least they provide concrete measures to debate.
Conley and her Democratic colleagues now have an opportunity to demonstrate that their promises amount to something more than election-year rhetoric.
And let's not forget Mike Lawler's record of fighting for the Hudson Valley, including his efforts to increase the SALT deduction cap and address the financial pressures facing New York homeowners.
The same Democrats who spent years criticizing Trump and Lawler will soon have considerable control over the congressional agenda. They can no longer rely on attacking Republicans as a substitute for explaining their own policies.
Cait Conley won an election. She did not win a blank check from the taxpayers of New York's 17th Congressional District.
Before Democrats begin celebrating their newfound power, perhaps they should explain who will pay for their expensive promises, how they intend to secure our borders and exactly what they will do to reduce the cost of living.
Because when the campaign speeches end, the bills still come due, and it's the American taxpayer who gets stuck paying them.
-Mike Dimone, Mahopac
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