Questioning Congressman Lawler’s ‘moderation’

To the Editor,

I find it shocking that Rep. Mike Lawler can continue to misrepresent his record to our local news and constituents. In his recent interview in this paper “A Conversation with Mike Lawler” 8/10/23, he proudly touted the fact that he has “voted with Marjorie Taylor Greene 80 percent of the time” as somehow being proof of his ‘moderation’. The actual number is over 85%. But why quibble – is he, with a straight face, basing his ‘moderate’ bona fides on the fact that he votes 80-85% of the time with one of the most extreme right-wing members of Congress?

If he is a moderate, why does he deride any views held by his constituents that he disagrees with – even those supported by 60% or more of voters – as “strident”. If a view held by most Americans isn’t moderate, what is? As a result, when his constituents reach out to him with “asks” that are reasonable and popular, such as supporting needed social programs, gun control legislation, abortion rights, respect for veterans’ healthcare and environmental concerns, he either uses double talk or dismisses them entirely.

Despite his claim to support public safety, Lawler refused to support banning assault weapons.

Despite his claim to protect the environment, he voted to increase domestic production of oil, natural gas and coal while rolling back long-standing environmental laws to limit toxic emissions, as well as clean-energy measures.

And those are only some of the contradictions between what he says and how he votes.

He may say he is “back in the district…to be as present as I can be,” but he’s had to be pushed, kicking and screaming, by persistent constituent requests and petitions, to finally schedule a SINGLE town hall (unfortunately at 5:15, before most are home from work).

NY-17 needs an explanation from Lawler as to why his words do not align with his actions.

Margaret Yonco-Haines
Garrison, NY

(As appeared in Mahopac News Vol. 14, No. 29 August 31, 2023)