Congressman Jamaal Bowman and County Executive George Latimer at News 12 debate. Photo from News 12
By Ron Matten
On Monday May 13, constituents had an opportunity to witness the two candidates for Congressional District 16 participate in their first debate. The one-hour debate was often contentious as incumbent Jamaal Bowman looked more like the underdog to his challenger George Latimer. The questions, which were curated from the News 12 viewership, centered around the Mideast, affordable housing, crime, immigration, and each contender’s record.
After a brief introduction, the debate started with a question focused on the Hamas/Israel war. Both candidates expressed their support for a two-state solution. Mr. Latimer was adamant that peace and a two-state solution begins with the release of the hostages. Mr. Bowman conveyed that peace, and a two-state solution begins with the removal of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Throughout the debate Congressman Bowman tried to paint George Latimer as an anti-choice, MAGA Republican, due to his alliance with American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). AIPAC has pledged millions of dollars to opponents of Jamaal Bowman and the Squad. Mr. Latimer correctly pointed out that AIPAC also supports Grace Meng, Greg Meeks, and Ritchie Torres. County Executive Latimer also cited his actions to protect clinic access and protect reproductive freedoms. The American Israel Public Affairs Committee is a lobbying group that advocates pro-Israel policies to the legislative and executive branches of the United States.
The conversation turned to crime where moderator Tara Rosenblum expressed that while overall crime is down, only 37% of New Yorkers feel safe in their neighborhood. Mr. Bowman supported a public health approach to public safety. He called for investments in mental health, education, and workforce development. George Latimer rebutted that the incumbent failed to acknowledge that funding the police is part of the solution to drive down crime.
On affordable housing George Latimer cited his record of producing 2,500 units of affordable housing in the county. Jamaal Bowman accused County Executive Latimer of falling short. Latimer rebutted this by demonstrating the ways in which the incumbent could have lobbied for more housing funding. During this exchange, Bowman’s lack of self-control became evident, as he continued to interrupt and interject, when he did not have the floor.
Before the first commercial break it was the rhetoric of the incumbent vs the actions of the challenger. George Latimer was armed with facts and actions amassed over a 35-year career, while the incumbent demonstrated the same type of behavior that has often put him at odds with his congressional colleagues.
The topic turned to migrants where Congressman Bowman blamed corporate America for destroying the ecosystem of the migrant’s home countries, which forced them to come here. He stated that his office was working in partnership with Pace University, Neighbors Link and Westhab to get our new arrivals settled with their paperwork.
Mr. Latimer expressed the need to overhaul the system, including increased border security, but he stated that it needs to be a bipartisan effort. He called for a reform of the asylum system, by setting up an asylum court in Westchester. As County Executive, he arranged for the Westchester County Department of Health to give full exams and medical care to the newly arrived migrants.
During the remainder of the debate Mr. Bowman continued to interrupt. At one point he claimed to bring one billion dollars to the City of Mount Vernon. George Latimer called that a lie, by stating that Hakeem Jefferies only brought $22 million to his entire district. Additionally, Latimer pointed out that no piece of legislation authored by Congressman Bowman became a law serving the 16th Congressional District. Latimer accused Bowman of wanting to be in the office to feel special, rather than actually doing the work of legislation and funding. At one point Latimer said, “It’s about being local, not vocal.”
The debate was plagued by the inability of Congressman Bowman to control his impulses. This was the same lack of impulse control that likely led to the incumbent pulling a fire alarm in the House office building. His behavior was that of a petulant child who couldn’t justify his actions, or in this case his inactions.
The debate was between two progressive politicians. George Latimer demonstrated his 35-year record of working across party lines to produce change. Jamaal Bowman demonstrated his ability to be a lightning rod to bring attention to a cause. It will be the voters who decide which candidate has the demeanor and experience to serve all of the constituents of Congressional District 16.
Bowman and Latimer will face off on June 25 in a democratic primary.
Ron Matten was a candidate for Yonkers City Council President in 2021, and was in attendance at the News 12 debate.
