Candidates for Congress square off
by KIMBERLY M. KARCHER Clarence Editor

Political hopefuls, community residents and members of the media packed the auditorium at Clarence Town Hall Monday night for a candidates' forum.

However, it was the night's final face-off that most people in the auditorium were waiting for - the race for the 26th district of the U.S. Congress.

Incumbent Rep. Thomas Reynolds, who is on the Republican and Conservative lines, and Jack Davis, who is endorsed by the Democratic, Independence and Working Families parties, took their seats, and just as in their television ads, began their attacks on one another.

Davis described himself as a patriot, a businessman and by no means a politician. He focused on his platform of saving and supporting better paying jobs to create a better future for citizens.

In Reynolds' opening remarks, he recalled his eight years in office, saying he has stood up for families, seniors and the community. He said he has a proven track record of cutting taxes and creating jobs and with the recent storm crisis and his efforts to secure disaster aid, has lived up to his motto that "no problem is too big, no problem is too small."

The session was then opened to screened questions from the audience, with the first regarding how exactly the candidates plan to save jobs in Western New York and keep younger generations in the area.

Reynolds replied first, stating that there "is no solution to keeping jobs in Western New York other than teamwork.

"There is no question that New York is taxed too high," he said. The congressman said it would take "all of us" working together to create more opportunities for jobs in Western New York.

"The main reason I am running for Congress is to save jobs," answered Davis.

He said the continuation of increasing free trade and escalating globalization that have created a job deficit in this country. Davis said because of these factors the United States is unable to compete with other countries.

But one question created gasps as well as "ohhs" and "awws" from the audience.

When asked for their positions on stem cell research, right-to-life issues and gay rights, Davis said he supported stem cell research, adding, "A woman should control her own body, and I want to talk about important things, not gay rights."

After the moderator quieted the audience, Reynolds replied, "I believe in the sanctity of life." Audience applause followed.

"Marriage should be between one man and one woman," he said, prompting more applause.

"I have supported adult stem cell research and core blood research ... I will not take the life of an embryonic cell with federal money" for stem cell research," Reynolds said.

Another topic of the evening regarded term limits and the candidates' positions on whether they should be imposed. Davis said he was in support of term limits and vowed if elected, not to serve more then eight years.

"Reynolds has been on the payroll for 30 years," Davis said, referring to Reynolds' career in government. "It makes him almost impossible to beat."

Reynolds took pride in his background, noting that he brings experience on every level of government, having served in numerous political offices.

"The best term limits are going to be in the election next Tuesday where the people will decide who is going to be in office," Reynolds said.

Also making an appearance were the candidates for Erie County Clerk, incumbent David Swartz and challenger Shelly Schratz, and candidates for the state Senate in the 61st District, current Senator Mary Lou Rath and her opponent, Richard Woll.