Clyburn on the Importance of Public Service For All

POUGHKEEPSIE – Rep. Pat Ryan (D, NY-18) last week welcomed South Carolina Congressman James Clyburn, who has served in The House since 1993, to a service at Beulah Baptist Church in Poughkeepsie hosted by Pastor Jesse Bottoms.

After the service, Ryan joined Clyburn, a Democrat, for a lunch with faith leaders, community leaders, and local elected officials from throughout the Hudson Valley in Newburgh at the Cathedral at the House. Bishop Jeffrey Woody hosted the event and Councilman/Pastor Rob McLymore emceed.

“It was an honor to welcome the legendary Rep. Clyburn to the Hudson Valley for a day of true energy, faith, and positivity,” said Congressman Pat Ryan. “Bishop Woody, Pastor McLymore, and Pastor Bottoms were tremendous hosts, and I want to thank everyone from across the Hudson Valley, from a variety of backgrounds, who were able to join for a day none of us will soon forget!”

About 100 people attended the lunch, including the Kingston Ministers Alliance, Dutchess Interfaith Alliance, Newburgh Ministers Alliance, Newburgh NAACP President Ray Harvey, City of Newburgh Mayor Torrance Harvey, City of Middletown Mayor Joe DeStefano, City of Poughkeepsie Mayor Yvonne Flowers, Senator Rob Rolison and Assemblymen Chris Eachus and Jonathan Jacobson.

“It was a privilege and honor to meet with Congressman James Clyburn in the City of Newburgh,” said Rolison (R, Poughkeepsie). “Thank you to Congressman Pat Ryan for the warm invitation to attend this gathering of local faith leaders to discuss the importance of imbuing public service with, as President Lincoln observed, ‘malice toward none, with charity for all.’”

Clyburn, 84, represents South Carolina’s Sixth District and in ’93 became South Carolina’s first Black Congressman since 1897.