Aileen Gunther, the nine-term assemblywoman, is seeking reelection in the 100th district in New York, which covers most of Sullivan County and part of Orange County, including Middletown and Wallkill.
The Democratic incumbent will face Republican candidate Lisa LaBue in the Nov. 8 general election.
Gunther spoke with The Epoch Times on Oct. 31. The interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.
The Epoch Times: What do you think are the biggest challenges for residents in your district?
Gunther: There has been such an increase in the cost of housing. That is very difficult for middle-income and low-income families.
Also, we are seeing rising interest rates, which are very difficult for middle-class, lower-middle-class folks, and poor people.
In my office, we help residents find housing almost on a weekly basis. We look to see if there are lower costs of living and subsidies for them.
The Epoch Times: What do you plan to do about the housing issue?
Gunther: In the past, what I’ve done is that I was able to get some money to help build low-income housing units. We must continue to support those kinds of initiatives.
As we go forward, I think it’s very important for new housing constructions to set aside units for seniors and low-income people.
The Epoch Times: Aside from housing, any other issues you’d like to focus on?
Gunther: Right now, we are delivering food to people who cannot afford it. This month, we’ve ordered 300 winter coats for kids. We also plan to do mitten drives.
The Epoch Times: You said when the bail reform came out, you voted against it. Are you supportive of repealing the law?
Gunther: I think it is important that judges have the discretion, whether to keep [suspects] in prison for a little bit or get them an evaluation from a mental health hospital.
But it wouldn’t be accurate to say that I am for repealing the entire bail reform; I just didn’t believe in parts of the reform.
