Staten Island’s Rep. Mike McMahon was the only “No” vote on health care reform out of the New York City delegation.
In a sense he gave the district exactly what they wanted: blind obstruction.
It’s no surprise that most of the island, although grossly misinformed, is decidedly against the president’s health care initiative — or any other initiative he has for that matter.
I’ve done some reporting on this issue in the past and the feelings from the mid-island business community was generally weary of this elusive health care plan.
Here is a sampling for Sept 09:
“My husband has his own business and he pays $2,000 a month for insurance. We’re hurting but I do have three kids. I don’t know what I’m going to get (if reform passes).”
– Pat Siringo, clerk at Uniquely Yours
“It’s not the cheapest but at least I have insurance. I am concerned about the effect this plan will have on seniors. I don’t want any more change; I’ve had enough change.”
-Lorraine Graziano, owner of S I Quick Print.
“My wife had to get a job at (Staten Island University) Hospital so I could get health care. I went for two years without insurance. But, if you work 20 years to get to a certain point with your business why should you be penalized (with higher taxes). It’s not right, I hope it doesn’t pass.”
-Michael DiGuido, owner of The Animal Pantry.
“He won’t vote for it, and it won’t pass. Financially it doesn’t make any sense. Staten Island is a conservative place in general. Staten Island can take care of itself.”-Warren Crapo owner Crapo Realty
Every single business owner complained about the rising costs of health care. However, every single business owner was strongly against health care reform.
Is there a disconnect here? Where are they getting their info? Fox News? The Advance? The Marketeer?
By Tuesday, the media was sniping at McMahon from every angle.
The NY Daily News claimed that the White House was upset with McMahon’s intransigence.
The local paper spoke to a potential primary challenger, who had lost to McMahon in ’08.
Meanwhile McMahon’s opponents were unsheathing their right-wing rhetoric.
“It is a very sad day for all Americans when bribery and backroom deals beat the will of the people,” Mike Grimm said in a press release.
The other Mike, Allegretti, went to the NY Post to air his grievances
But what about the Island’s conservative base? They must be on McMahon’s side now right?
“As long as the congressman has a ‘D’ next to his name, he will be part of the problem in perpetuating the Pelosi Congress,” said Santarpia, the leader of Staten Island’s Tea Party, to the Staten Island Advance.
Looks like McMahon can’t please anybody.