NY-19 Decides Dave Clegg

“I feel my responsibility is to hold the executive branch in check...” - Dave Clegg

NY-19 Decides: Dave Clegg

Dave Clegg has a particular affinity for education, a trait that was first born when he was raised in Staten Island. Seeking a quality education, he traveled two hours both ways to attend school at Brooklyn Tech. He went on to SUNY New Paltz, and SUNY Buffalo to receive his law degree. Upon returning to the Hudson Valley, Mr. Clegg set up his law practice, and has put down many roots in the region.

Mr. Clegg is one of the seven Democratic candidates that hope for the party nomination. While he has never held elected office, he has still acquired much knowledge and experience after his 37 years in the district. He believes that this is what is needed to defeat incumbent Republican Congressman John Faso in the fall.

Mr. Clegg would focus much of his time and energy on passing the Expanded and Improved Medicare for All Act. “By passing this legislation, profit motive would be removed from health care system, every person would get quality care, and this would be a far cheaper system then it is now.”

He will also fight as best he can to repeal the tax bill that makes the wealthy wealthier, and use that money for finding environmentally friendly energy sources, stabilize the infrastructure, and bring broadband to rural areas. Mr. Clegg believes that we can “become a national leader in food production.” He will not only work to incentivize small farm growth, but also remove the pollutants that threaten the area.

Mr. Clegg realizes that there is a growing problem with poverty and education, and they go hand in hand. The schools in the area are not being funded well enough, and this leads to students that don’t understand how to keep up with the advancing economy. He feels that both situations need to be resolved, and it is something that can be prevented in the future.

As for gun control, Mr. Clegg is adamant that reform is needed. He referred to “getting guns like AR-15 out of the streets, implementing universal background checks, closing the gun show and internet loophole, and allowing funding to studying this epidemic.” In addition, he mentioned the removal of the liability protection on gun manufacturers, which hold them accountable and motivate them to create firearms with safer technology.

When it comes to running against the other candidates, Mr. Clegg believes that he has done the most work for the community. He has founded the Darmstadt Homeless Shelter, represented many people as a trial attorney, is involved with the United Methodist Church, and teaches ethics classes at Woodbourne Prison, among numerous other engagements with the local population.  

With this in mind, Mr. Clegg feels that he is ready to represent the people of the district, and focus on their needs and desires. “It will take experience, leadership, and someone who has been ingrained in our district.” He believes that he is the one to take on this responsibility, and is confident in his abilities.  

Democrats will choose their nominee on Tuesday, June 26th.  

Editor's Note: This is the fifth in a series of interviews with the seven candidates vying for the NY-19 Democratic nomination. All seven interviews will appear in the Friday, June 22nd print edition of the Mountain Eagle.