HUDSON VALLEY – Congressman Antonio Delgado (D, NY-19), Saturday, told a packed house that he we must work past fear and hate and do the work of good government.
Delgado was administered the ceremonial oath of office by US Senator Charles Schumer who called the new representative’s election “a great day” for the region and nation.
Delgado, who defeated one-term Republican John Faso in November, said the fear and hate in Washington must end. “We need to stop the games and get things done,” he told the overflow in Hudson Hall in the City of Hudson. “It’s not about me; it’s about the people.”
He said it is difficult to show up for work on a new job as he has to find the business closed, referring to the partial shutdown of government over President Trump’s insistence of funding for a southern border wall.
Delgado told his supporters he is for border security and dealing with “the broken” immigration system, “but I’m not for a wall.” The personal economic impact of the government shutdown is hurting those who are not receiving their paychecks and he reiterated his request to have his pay withheld until the situation is over.
He pledged to make his constituents a top priority by holding regularly scheduled town hall meetings and meeting with them whenever possible.
State Assemblywoman Didi Barrett told the gathering Delgado’s election is about “our future, our children and our grandchildren.