Democrat Paula Elaine Kay and Republican Louis Ingrassia are vying for Aileen Gunther’s seat in the NY State Assembly’s 100th District. In the 101st District, containing the towns of Rockland and Neversink, Republican Brian Maher is running unopposed. Here are their views on the issues.

Health care

Kay: Supports collaboration among services to give people access to care they need. With Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement lower in Sullivan County, there’s a need to bring health-care providers to the area.

Ingrassia: The lower Medicare reimbursement in Sullivan County, driven by regionalization, needs to be addressed.

Maher: Will work to have more people accept getting health-care insurance which may lower costs.

Fracking

Kay: Though not a big issue currently, fracking is potentially environmentally harmful and must be looked at very carefully.

Ingrassia: Believes the byproducts of fracking have been reduced; favors using natural resources in a safe and effective manner.

Maher: Fracking shouldn’t be done everywhere, just in some places that will help the environment stay clean.

Taxes

Kay: Hold taxes to a level working families can afford while maintaining services; favors quality education and childcare tax credits.

Ingrassia: Both school and property taxes are paid by homeowners, and that situation needs to be fixed.

Maher: The current system unfairly affects people who own properties and must pay property taxes, school taxes, etc.

Reproductive care, abortion rights

Kay: Firmly pro-choice.

Ingrassia: Health care is a personal choice; won’t interfere with the laws unless there is an issue.

Maher: Pro-life, but won’t let his beliefs get in the way of what’s best for people.

Gun Safety

Kay: Supports the right to bear arms for security and hunting.

Ingrassia: Big proponent of the Second Amendment, believes in gun rights, but also in using common sense. Believes people have the right to protect themselves.

Maher: Supports the Second Amendment for protection when needed and for other purposes like hunting.

Housing Costs

Kay: Work with developers to get the materials, infrastructure and the profits they need to create affordable housing in good locations.

Ingrassia: New construction is hindered by the economy, but there are many existing buildings that can be renovated to provide housing.

Maher: Housing units are currently too expensive, and because they need water and sewer systems, suitable locations can add to costs.

Agriculture and Farming

Kay: Support our farmers by fighting to maintain farmland and help them make the sales they need to keep going.

Ingrassia: Support farmers who provide the region with local foods and natural produce; wants to make sure they have everything that they need to continue with what they are already doing.

Maher: Many farms are being closed down because of property taxes and other reasons, leaving farmers unable to farm. Thinks there should be something done about it.

Recreational Cannabis

Kay: Supports the sale of recreational cannabis because it promotes safer products and is a way to make more tax dollars.

Ingrassia: Believes cannabis is a gateway drug, and because there are so many laws governing it, there are black markets that sell the drug illegally. Also, because there are so many young people using cannabis, it is damaging our society.

Maher: Doesn’t support it, but because of existing laws, there really isn’t anything that can be done. But will ensure that laws governing it are made stronger to prevent illegal black markets from happening.