Maloney’s town hall event draws a crowd in Newburgh

Feb. 27--NEWBURGH -- Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney held a town hall gathering in Newburgh on Sunday that drew several hundred people.

"It's really hard to work with a president who is saying things that undermine the Constitution of the United States," said Maloney (D-Cold Spring).

In response, the crowd cheered. Some even gave Maloney a standing ovation.

Concerns about President Trump's attacks on immigration and the Affordable Care Act were just some of the reasons why so many turned out for Maloney's 2017 "Speak with Sean" town hall event at the Newburgh Armory Unity Center.

In order to accommodate the massive turnout, the meeting was moved to a larger room.

Some called for Trump's impeachment, but Maloney offered a stern response.

"I'm going to be responsible when it comes to throwing around the word 'impeachment,'" said Maloney. "I'll be for impeachment when he commits a high crime."

Maloney told the crowd that he wants an "independent 9/11-style commission" to investigate Russian interference in the presidential election.

He is also calling for Trump to release his tax returns.

Kathy Gnazzo of Highland Falls said Maloney answered some of her concerns.

"I'm glad to hear that the Republicans are concerned and will reach out to try to rein this president in, because it's terrifying," said Gnazzo.

Maloney said he's willing to work with Trump on issues that include reducing the costs of prescription drugs, but he's urging the GOP not to get rid of the Affordable Care Act until they have something to replace it with.

Not everyone agreed with Maloney's remarks.

Several sign-carrying members of the Orange County Residents Against Pilgrim Pipelines (RAPP) heckled Maloney when he said he wasn't against all pipelines.

"As if we have to put up with pollution?" said RAPP's acting chair Sandra Kissam.

After fielding questions for more than an hour, Maloney said he felt encouraged.

"I look around a room like this, and I feel pretty good about American democracy," said Maloney.

pliu@th-record.com

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