Rome, NY: On March 19, 2025, a group of over 150 citizens, most of whom reside in NYS Electoral District 21, gathered for a Town Hall to express their concerns over the effects that the recent sweeping changes coming down from the Trump administration and the Republican House and Senate will have on their families’ lives.
Congresswoman, Elise Stefanik, who represents the district, was formally invited via a registered letter but failed to respond. In her absence, participants used the opportunity to ask questions they would have asked had she attended. Participants spoke candidly about specific concerns, such as the impact of mass government firings local jobs and the economy, threats to Medicaid and Social Security, effects of tariffs on costs to everyday citizens, cuts in services to veterans, discrimination against transgender and other marginalized communities, and the future of our children’s education. Beyond the specific services to our families, friends and neighbors, participants expressed deep worry that our very democracy is in jeopardy and dismay that we, as a country, have lost our compassion and our humanity.
Regarding local jobs, Angela Topi, a resident of Rome, said she would have liked to ask Representative Stefanik “what she plans on doing to secure DFAS and save jobs.” She went on to say, “There are thousands of jobs at risk of being cut.”
Branwen Drew, of Rome, is a veteran and a retired government contractor. She said, “I’m on Social Security and Medicare. I’m not sure I’m going to be able to go on…As a veteran, I’m concerned about my friends who are veterans.”
Hunter Raphial, from Rome, said, the “Republican promise is to make somebody else’s life worse.” He added, “My mom is a veteran and she is more worried every day. She served in Desert Storm, and she has health problems. We need to stand for veterans; we need to stand for the weakest among us.” Mike, from Clinton, added, “Trump got out of the draft because of bone spurs. Then he eliminates transgender people from the military — people who want to give up their lives for their country!”
Jane, a resident of Rome, described her feelings as the wife of a Dominican immigrant. She said, “He’s been here 40 years, and this is the first time I’ve feared for his life.” Betsy Williams Briggs, of Herkimer, spoke about her adopted daughter who is of Asian descent and who works as a government contractor. Betsy said, “She spent her weekend waiting for her pink slip while working on her computer, removing any reference to DEI language from the government website in order to keep her job.”
Kelly Samson of Barneveld used the opportunity to comment on the Congresswoman’s performance, stating, “Elise is supposed to stand for what is ethical and be there for all her constituents. She has turned away from so many things that would help our area and aligned herself with Donald Trump.” Bonnie, who drove in from Remsen added, “I want to take a page from Musk’s playbook. Elise, name five things you’ve done for your constituents lately.”
This event was organized by citizens of Rome, NY and Indivisible Mohawk Valley.
