CLAY, N.Y. (NCC News) — Members of the CNY Solidarity Coalition demonstrated before Rep. Brandon Williams’ (R-Syracuse) town hall meeting in Clay Wednesday evening.
Judy Jerome took part and said the demonstration was an exercise of her First Amendment rights.
“We are here expressing our discomfort with the current representation that we have in our House of Representatives,” she said.
She said she disagrees with many of Williams’ positions and has demonstrated before, though what she says she’s tired of is the difficulty contacting him. She said her experience at a previous town hall in Verona sums up the situation.
“You are not allowed to raise your hand and question from the audience. You are not allowed to follow up with a question if you have a question to his answer. It’s a monologue,” she said.
The conditions Jerome found restrictive were present Wednesday night. Anyone with a question had to write their question on a piece of paper, then give it to his staff. In addition, green and red pieces of paper were handed out. Attendees raised the green sheet to show support for a statement, the red sheet to show disapproval.
About 80 people, including Jerome and a small group from CNY Solidarity Coalition, listened to Williams speak for roughly 90 minutes. The majority of the audience appeared to be supporters.
He spoke about several topics. He highlighted his support for legislation that has improved broadband connectivity in Central New York; improve operations at Handcock International; and promote education in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) at the Museum of Science and Technology (MOST).
He then answered submitted questions. TK99 radio host Glen “Gomez” Adams moderated the Q & A. The questions varied. Domestic energy policy and foreign policy were recurring topics.
The attendees both showed and voiced their opinions throughout the night. While everyone had the green-and-red pieces of paper, only a minority consistently raised them. Most listened. Some spoke to the crowd to explain their question or react to an answer.
Towards the end of the night, a man was removed from the building after he shouted. The Israel-Hamas conflict was being discussed. The man, who had remained engaged but quiet for most of the night, shouted that Williams’ support for the Israeli government equals support for genocide in Gaza. Sheriff’s deputies from the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Department, were the event’s security, and they led him out of the building.
At the end of the night, Adams, the moderator, said that a political event like a town hall is not going to satisfy everyone.
“You know, I don’t think there’s a best — worst way to do it. This, I thought, was a pretty decent way to do it. At least, I think most people — everybody got the question they submitted asked,” he said.
NCC News contacted Rep. Williams’ office for comment. No response was received by publication.
