Boehlert says experience works in his favor
Aug. 17, 2000

By KELLY HASSETT
Observer-Dispatch

UTICA — U.S. Rep. Sherwood Boehlert named prescription drug benefits and lowering the minimum wage as two priorities in his bid for a 10th term in the 23rd Congressional District.

In the Sept. 12 Republican primary, Boehlert faces David Vickers, a 34-year-old Hamilton High School Spanish teacher who also is running as a Right-to-Life and Conservative candidate.

It’s his years of experience in the district that works the most in his favor, Boehlert told the Observer-Dispatch Wednesday.

“The people have made an investment in me, and that investment is paying high dividends,” he said. “I know how to get things done.”

Boehlert also responded to recent comments from Vickers, who labeled Boehlert as a “Democrat.”

Boehlert said Vickers has a “narrow view” of politics, and is “completely out of touch with mainstream Republicans.”
Vickers said Wednesday Boehlert’s comments show he’s concerned about losing in the September primary.

“I am not, by any stretch of the imagination, a person with a narrow vision,” Vickers said.

Boehlert also reinforced his positions on the Oneida land claim and Ava landfill talks.

He said he has made efforts to bring the talks to the negotiation table, but will receive criticism from area residents “because I refuse to participate in the Oneida bashing,” noting that the Oneidas are a “legitimate entity.”

Boehlert said he still sees a “glimmer of hope” for a resolution to the talks.

“I think this will go — succeed or fail — on the reaction of the state,” he said.

The Ava landfill situation is one that many areas of the country are facing, Boehlert said.

“It’s a fact of the modern world that we have trash that we need to dispose of,” Boehlert said.

“There has to be an orderly process, with public input” and a rational decision, he said.

Boehlert said the people he represents are “basically moderate,” and his stands on issues reflect that.

He works for the people in his district, and will support issues that benefit them, not a particular political party.

“People did not elect me to go to Washington and turn in my voting card to the Republican Party,” he said.