LaFalce Holds Town Meeting
Eric Ortner
North Buffalo Rocket / West Side Times
John LaFalce justifies his decision to vote in favor of normalized trade relations with China on May 20, at Riverside Branch Library. photo: Eric Ortner
Congressman John J. LaFalce took a listening tour of his district on Saturday, May 20, 2000. His first of three Town Meetings took place at 9 a.m. in the Riverside Branch Library on Tonawanda Street. The Congressman answered questions and listened to the opinions of an audience of more than 50 people. He explained that the meetings gave him, "perspective on the issues of the time."
John Arlesco was the first person to raise a question. He was concerned about Veterans Benefits and stated, "Don't let them cut the VA benefits, we appreciate your support."
Congressman LaFalce explained, "It gets more difficult to do that as time goes on. When I first went to college most of my colleagues were veterans...But over the years the number of individuals who have served in the military has diminished." He continued to explain that since there are fewer veterans in elected office, they tend not to be as interested in veterans' affairs.
One of the key issues in LaFalce's Town Meeting regarded the high cost of a college education. The first questioner asked for an improved GI bill that would pay for a quality education.
Congressman LaFalce had a good understanding of the situation. He responded, "The need for an education is far greater today than it ever was before." He went on to tell a story about some of his friends' children who were thinking about getting married, but they couldn't because they had loans in excess of $100,000. However, he did not go so far as to say that he would pursue legislation to increase the aid given in the GI bill.
The discussion over the immense cost of higher education continued to unfold. One member of the audience commented that she felt punished by the Federal Government because she had set money aside for her child's education. As a result of good financial planning, she was not eligible for financial aid. The woman suggested that a matching fund be set up. She suggested for every $5,000 saved, the Federal government should pay an equal amount of money.
Congressman LaFalce suggested that the woman look into a state program entitled New York State College Choice and Savings Program. College Choice offers tax exemptions on savings intended for college tuition.
The discussion over the large debt many students incur at college was quickly transformed into the Congressman's stance on healthcare. Congress-man LaFalce stated, "If there is any single issue that I am concerned with, it is healthcare for every single American."
Then it was time for the bombshell issue of the day. For the most part, the meeting room at Riverside Library was filled with constituents representing the United Auto Workers (UAW). These people were extremely disappointed with LaFalce's stance on Normal Trade Relations with China.
LaFalce has stated that he is in favor of Bill Number H.R.4444 To Authorize Extension of Nondiscriminatory Treatment (Normal Trade Relations Treatment) To the Peoples Republic of China. The United Auto Workers, who have supported LaFalce in the past, feel very betrayed by his decision, and they said so loud and clear during Saturday's meeting.
Kevin Donovan said, "There is nothing in it for the people of Western New York." He further feared that China is prone to poor working conditions that include 13¢ an hour wages and child labor. The UAW maintains that if the United States' laborers are dragged into direct competition with China, the United States standard of living will be dragged down as a whole.
LaFalce saw the issue in a much different light. He said, "I feel as if I have been your best friend. Friends don't always agree." He continued to explain that he spent 21/2 weeks in China in December 1978 and January 1979. He said, "I saw a China with no cars. Everybody was dressed in the same drab clothes. There was no radio, no TV. Each house had one light bulb, but no shade. There were no newspapers."
The Congressman has recently returned to the country, and the results of more normalized relations with the United States have been immensely beneficial. He elaborated, "The China I saw today is absolutely different from the China of 20 years ago . . . I saw cities that rivaled NYC and Washington. . . . Today East-man Kodak sells more film in China than in any other country besides the U.S." He further detailed that there are now 120 million people in the country using cellular phones. The Chinese managed to skip over the step of wires. He said, "So if you want to talk about advancing freedom of speech, you have to have open trade relations."
The particulars of the legislation were also well defended by LaFalce. He explained that the law does not lower any of the United States' tariffs. However, it lowers the 75% Chinese tariff against imported goods by 5-7%
The United Auto Workers were not satisfied with the Congressman's defense. Kevin Donovan said, "You are in Congress to represent the best interests of the people of Western New York."
Wayne Bieger, President of UAW post 846 commented after the meeting, "I work at the food bank across the street. You'll be able to see this business increase after this legislation is passed."
In addition to feeling disenfranchised with LaFalce's International Relations policy, the audience felt a little short changed in regard to the amount of time the Congressman spent with them. The Town Meeting was sharply adjourned at 10:10 a.m., leaving many questions unanswered.
