Assemblyman Mike Lawler (R-97) Speaks with Rockland Daily

By Yehudit Garmaise
Assemblyman Lawler who is 35, was born in Suffern and now lives in Pearl River, with his wife Doina Lawler, was first elected to the state assembly in 2021.
Rockland Daily (RD): A Republican has not represented Rockland County in the House of Representatives since 2001, why do you think 2023 is good time for a Republican to fill the 17th District seat?
Assemblyman Mike Lawler (ML): What we are seeing across the county is that one-party rule under Democratic leadership is a disaster. I think what we have seen with one-party rule is a woke, progressive agenda that has frankly caused both record levels of inflation and crime.
RD: What are your proudest accomplishments as an Assemblyman that could give readers a sense of what you would accomplish as their US Rep.?
ML: I made sure that we were getting our fair share of state aid. I never would have supported a budget that cut state aid to our schools, and I ensured that yeshivas and private schools get the services for which they are mandated. I am also proud that we provided some temporary economic relief to New Yorkers with the bill I co-sponsored to suspend the gas tax starting June 1 until the end of 2022.
RD: Can you please tell me about your relationship with the Orthodox Jewish community?
ML: My job as an elected official is to represent everyone. We meet with and listen to the concerns of every community to address constituent service issues. Also, I have an Orthodox staffer, Rafi Silberberg, who lives in Chestnut Ridge, to serve as a liaison with folks in the Orthodox community to ensure they feel they are represented. In terms of anti-Semitism, all of us have an obligation to clearly denounce it where it occurs, but also to ensure that school children are learning about the Holocaust, and the Assembly just passed a bill for which I fought that ensures that.
In addition, for committing violent hate crimes and assaulting others we need to provide severe consequences. We have seen too many people who are quickly let out and who are dangerous to others. Bail reform was a disaster.
Also, for all of our communities, it is important that we are investing in infrastructure, such as providing safe sidewalks, lighting, and wider roads: especially in communities like the Orthodox community, where many people are walking on the Sabbath, but even during the rest of the week, when children are walking to school. I think ensuring that people are safe is one of the most critical things a government can do.
This interview has been edited and condensed for publication.