All five Democrats hoping to secure the nomination of their party in the North Country’s 21st Congressional District say they support single-payer medical care coverage in one form or another.

All agree that the administration's tariff proposals will not advance trade relations between Canada and the North Country.

And they all support renewable power but take some different approaches to meeting our future energy needs.

Emily Martz of Saranac Lake, Tedra Cobb of Canton, Katie Wilson of Keene, Patrick Nelson of Stillwater, and Dylan Ratigan of Saranac Lake will all be on the June 26 Democratic Primary ballot to decide who will represent the party against two-term incumbent Republican Congresswoman Elise Stefanik.

The district comprises all or part of 12 counties stretching from Lake Champlain to Lake Ontario and from the border with Canada to just north of Albany and Utica.

These five and five other Democrats who started runs but dropped out all expressed concern about the statements and policies of President Donald Trump, about Congress’s ineffectiveness, and Rep. Stefanik’s stances, whether in line with Pres. Trump or not.

We asked the five still in the race several questions to provide some idea of where they stand on some of the issues they – and we -- will face:

Martz – We have an out-of-control, expensive healthcare system with unacceptable outcomes. We have made major medical advances that allow us to live longer, yet the United States has the highest costs and worst outcomes among developed nations. I absolutely favor a Medicare for All system that allows everyone access to quality care, decreases the cost burden on small businesses and county budgets, takes profit margins out of our healthcare decisions, and finally allows the federal government to negotiate with drug companies to lower prescription costs. I would emphasize preventive care, address the shamefully high maternal mortality rate, and fight to increase access to telemedicine, mobile clinics, and mental health services.

Cobb -- I believe healthcare is a human right. I support...a plan such as the United States National Health Care Act/ Expanded and Improved Medicare for All Act (H.R. 676). I am less concerned with what we call it than I am with getting to the goal of every American having access to affordable, quality health care. Building capacity and delivering health services in the rural parts of this district has unique challenges of funding and availability. I have direct experience working in the healthcare system in the North Country...We need to reduce the high cost of health care by taking steps such as allowing Medicaid to negotiate prescription drug prices, setting fee schedules at the Medicaid rather than private insurance rates, include Medicare in the 340B Drug Discount Program, invest in research for things such as orphan drugs for rare diseases, expand the budget of the CDC and NIH and put resources and energy into research on disease and addiction, and we must fully fund research into gun violence to seek a solution to one of our most serious health issues. Finally, while single-payer healthcare is the final objective, we must be pragmatic in our efforts and realize that change is incremental.

Wilson – I propose - and have been championing for the last year - Senator Chris Murphy’s plan to provide a Medicare buy-in on the open exchange. This would allow anyone to buy into Medicare, therefore stabilizing the system and providing an affordable option to all without eliminating private coverage. It would help stabilize rising costs across the market and provide a public option without forcing anyone to choose a plan they didn’t want. Coupled with the ability to negotiate prescription drug costs, this plan would be an achievable way to drive the rising costs of healthcare down while making progress toward a single payer system, which I do support.

Nelson – A Medicare for All, Single Payer system would be the best option to control costs. Currently, the US is 4th highest in the world in per capita taxpayer spending on healthcare. Taxpayers in both Canada and Australia spend about $1500 less per person than American taxpayers already spend. It's not a matter of "can we afford it?" Rather it is a matter of "how can we afford not to?" Enacting a single payer system in the 116th Congress with a Republican administration is a long shot. Short of Medicare-for-All, I believe we can enact cost saving policies like allowing Medicare and Medicaid to negotiate prescription drug prices, allowing Americans to purchase Canadian prescriptions, and increasing public involvement in the pricing of therapies that result from publicly funded research.

Ratigan – I favor Medicare for All. The government needs to regain the ability to negotiate drug prices, and have the ability to negotiate healthcare costs as well.

• Trade tariffs are being put in place that will affect trade with friendly nations such as Canada. There is disagreement about the wisdom and effectiveness of tariffs. Tariffs could affect companies in the North Country such as Alcoa in Massena, Corning in DeKalb, other smaller companies, as well as dairy farming. Do you think that tariffs are an effective way to deal with trade issues, and that the current tariff proposals are good for the North Country?

Martz -- Tariffs are a tool and, just as any other tool, should be used responsibly. For national security reasons, we cannot relinquish our nation’s entire industrial capabilities to other countries. Nor should our leader take deliberate measures that will certainly and dramatically raise prices on the already strained middle class. The issue is more about a leader who is using the middle class, our region’s dairy farmers, and unions as pawns. As an economic development specialist, I know that for our region to grow, our economy should not be used as a political pawn.

Cobb -- Business and trade with Canada are major economic drivers throughout New York and the North Country and trade tariffs threaten to disrupt this important partnership...It is not only trade that suffers when tariffs are imposed. Business and job development along the supply chain also feel the effect. A good example is the tariffs on solar panels...(which) threaten to place an unneeded and ill-conceived drag on a bright spot in our economy. It also slows our development of alternative energy as an alternative to fossil fuel-based energy production and has a negative impact on our environment.

Wilson -- The current tariff proposals are terrible for the North Country. Our relationship with Canada as a trade partner is vital to the Upstate economy. To ignore its significance is to directly threaten the vitality of our local communities. Tariffs on goods would specifically threaten the flow of production...where products often cross multiple times before completion. Tariffs would also, and perhaps most significantly, threaten the tourism industry by punishing Canadian tourists for purchasing goods in the US, thereby reducing the vitality of our local economies. Moreover, we should be protecting our already struggling dairy farmers and manufacturers, not threatening them with policies and rhetoric that further inhibits profits and job creation.

Nelson -- Tariffs can be effective in situations like our southern border where there is a high difference between Mexican and American labor costs... (which) drives companies to move their production to countries with cheaper labor...(Tariffs) could be an effective tool to discourage such behavior. Along the northern border...Canadian and American labor costs are relatively equal...In this situation, tariffs are provoking unnecessary tensions with our Northern neighbor. Trade with Canada is responsible for nearly 700,000 jobs in New York State, a huge number of which are in the 21st District. We should pursue policies of free and open trade with Canada.

Ratigan -- Targeted tariffs that address cheating in trading relationships with countries like China can be extremely valuable. Blanket tariffs against developed countries like Canada, who are our biggest trading partners, are counterproductive. A trade war with Canada is bad for upstate New York.

How would you make yourself accessible to ordinary St. Lawrence County constituents who are not campaign donors and business or political lobbyists?

Martz -- It is incumbent upon all those who serve to reach out and create more opportunities for constituents to engage with them, rather than sitting back at a Capitol Hill desk waiting for their phone to ring. I would hold a town hall in St. Lawrence County during each recess.

Cobb -- I will be accessible and accountable to my constituents, regardless of party affiliation or financial means. As a Legislator serving in St. Lawrence County...on behalf of my constituents...I was available to them, not just when campaigning but during my eight years of service. My office was open, and I personally returned calls and reached out to constituents to listen to their concerns and to explain my positions. In Congress I will be and do the same. My run for office is based on my desire to represent the people who live in the North Country, not the interests of party, corporations or their lobbyists. I have often stated and reaffirm that I will reach out and seek the input of North Country constituents. My position on every issue will be subject to this test – if it is good for the North Country I will fight for it and if not, I will oppose it...I will hold at least one town hall in each of the 12 counties that make up this large, diverse district every year. Unlike the scripted and controlled practice of the incumbent, these will be real town halls where every citizen is welcome and encouraged to talk about whatever is on their minds. I expect them to hold me accountable for my responses and my actions and will make myself accessible to my constituents.

Wilson -- My accessibility begins now, by showing up in underrepresented communities across our region and meeting people where they are. This campaign has focused on lower income neighborhoods that other candidates and representatives often overlook. It is a top priority of mine to make a difference in the areas that need it most, not just high density or affluent areas. I’ve focused my efforts on canvassing the Akwesasne Reservation and working class towns throughout St. Lawrence County and beyond in an effort to restore trust and relevance among the hard working people who deserve to be heard.

Nelson -- Our campaign doesn't take a dime from corporate PACs, or lobbyists. That will remain the case when I serve in the House of Representatives. The only people I will be working for, are the people of the 21st District. Our campaign has already done 16 open-forum town halls throughout the district, that is a practice I will continue as a Representative. I intend to build a collaborative relationship with the 710,000 constituents of the district, each of which knows something I do not. I will report to them on major legislation and we will work together to decide how I should act and vote on their behalf. The People of the 21st are going to hear from me so much they will get tired of seeing me. But they will be confident with the knowledge that I carry their voice in congress.

Ratigan -- To truly represent the district, someone needs to live in NY 21 and interact with the people living here. As often as possible, I would attempt to have town halls prior to votes, rather than holding town halls after to try and justify my decisions, which is more commonplace today.

• Many Americans are expressing less faith in the federal government, especially Congress, to get things done that are vital to the nation’s interests. What can you do yourself, and to encourage your colleagues in Washington to do, to demonstrate responsiveness to Americans’ concerns?

Martz -- I pledge to first and foremost be a representative who values listening. I take my motivation from constituents not from politically driven operatives. I know that the only way we can get things done - from standard appropriations approvals to major legislative installments - is together.

Cobb -- We must not allow ourselves to conclude that, because so much of our political discourse has gotten so negative, we cannot work together...(By) keeping our focus on the interests of the people who we represent, we can find ways to work together to meet those needs...I will bring that experience in open dialogue with my colleagues, especially those from different philosophies, to my role in Congress.

Wilson -- The reason I’m running for Congress addresses this very issue. The distrust and frustration with the way Washington operates is widespread. Every year 435 people descend upon DC to negotiate on behalf of their constituents over a finite amount of resources. Only 2% of them have a working class background and most end up trading in their constituents for a new set of powerful friends and interests or cabinet appointments and future lobbying gigs. We’ve been sending the same kinds of people to DC for decades, those with seemingly wonderful educations, qualifications and resumes, but look where that’s gotten us. All the experience in the world is worthless without good judgement...I’m running to change the conversation and get back to work. It’s time for more leadership and less lip service. It’s time to get back to helping people instead of perpetually campaigning for the next election cycle.

Nelson -- Stop taking campaign money from corporate PACs and lobbyists. Hold open forums, be present in the community, and stop answering questions with poll-tested talking points.

Ratigan -- The biggest issue in the US is the voters being disconnected from the government. Gerrymandering allows politicians to maintain their jobs 90% of the time despite abysmal approval ratings. Having job security that is more closely tied to pleasing big donors allows for a system that benefits very few people in this country while ultimately harming the vast majority. A combination of redistricting, switching to rank choice voting, switching to small donor systems with universal caps, and anti-trust regulations can help reconnect the voter to the government, and hold politicians accountable to all people.

• Considering the importance of the nation’s need for energy, what forms of federal subsidies would you support, if any, for traditional or alternative energy, especially in areas like St. Lawrence County where there has been pushback on wind and solar projects?

Martz -- I am a proponent of a clean energy economy for our region, and I know that we can be a model for other rural regions. In the North Country we provide a large percentage of the State’s clean energy, and as a developing sector it is integral to our future economic development. I also believe that it is important for each municipality or community to decide which type of energy works best for their needs and unique geographic and environmental features. No clean energy company should take advantage of our municipalities, no municipality should be bullied into contracts from outside companies, and I will work in Congress to pass legislation prohibiting clauses in contracts that diminish the power of our municipalities.

Cobb -- I will work hard in Congress to meet the twin goals of meeting the North Country’s and America’s need for energy and reducing our dependence on fossil fuel-based sources to produce that energy. This must be accomplished with the recognition that there are lifestyle and environmental impacts of clean energy that raise concerns for North Country residents...I don’t see these as “either/or” issues. There is no question that we must reduce our dependence on fossil fuel-based energy production to sustain our planet. I will support federal regulation, legislation and investment that will meet the twin goals of reducing our dependence on fossil fuels and mitigating the downsides of clean energy production...I will work to restore regulatory protections that are being furiously removed by the Administration and Congress and work to eliminate the Federal subsidies in that bolster fossil fuel dependency, including off-shore drilling, fracking, coal mining, etc. I will fight to reinstate the ban on oil exploration and production on Federal land such as the Bears Ears Wilderness. I will work to restore funding, drastically slashed by over 70% in the Administration’s budget, to the Department of Energy’s research program for renewable energy. This research must include determining ways to mitigate or eliminate impacts such as noise, viewshed issues, biomass pollution and soil compression that concern residents of the North Country. Additionally, we need to establish and expand Federal investment in research and development of renewable energy.

Wilson -- I support smart subsidies for renewable energy technologies, so long as they’re necessary to support our policy goals and we aren’t overpaying with taxpayer dollars when the private industry can support the development of the technology. By far the biggest way that the federal government supports these projects is with tax credits...I think there are a lot of misconceptions out there about government subsidies for renewable energy. Every emerging energy technology has received government support when it was starting out. So this is nothing new. In fact, oil and gas and nuclear got way more money than renewables. Federal support during 1st 15 yrs for nukes was $3.3b annually, $1.8b for oil & gas, but only $400m / yr in adjusted $ for all renewable energy combined. In fact, the federal government still supports oil and gas with huge tax advantages, even though those industries don’t need them...And widespread deployment of clean energy technology is essential if we are going to meet our climate change goals. Other countries are way ahead of us, in fact...The major renewable energy tax credits now in federal law – the investment and production tax credits – are phasing out in the coming years. Onshore wind, in particular, and large-scale solar in certain parts of the country – depending in large part upon what state policies are in place – can walk and even run on their own; very soon, they won’t need tax credits to make their projects work...Offshore wind can have a huge part in helping us achieve our goals. This could be the next major energy technology revolution in the United States...This is exactly the kind of emerging technology that the federal government should be supporting...Another technology that the federal government should consider supporting is energy storage...so it would be good federal policy to ensure that the tax credits for energy storage are effective and clear.

Nelson -- I support HR 3671, the Off Fossil Fuels for a Better Future Act. This act removes Federal subsidies from fossil fuel companies, denies permits for new fossil fuel infrastructure, extends wind/solar tax credits, provides for a just transitions/retraining for fossil fuel workers, and ultimately mandates 100% renewable energy by 2035. Human caused climate change is an existential crisis for our species and we must rise to this challenge. Regarding the siting of wind farms, this is why we need to have a Representative that does town halls and listens to constituents. We need to ensure that new developments aren't forced on communities. At the end of the day, if we fail to transition our energy system, every other concern is moot.

Ratigan -- Our energy future is 100% renewable. Subsidies and tax policy need to encourage that transition while ensuring the reliability of our power generation.

• Please note any other issues you feel strongly about.

Martz -- It would be an honor to serve all people of St. Lawrence County and everyone across our region.

Cobb -- Thank you very much for the opportunity to provide this input. I want to give you some background about why I am in this race. I don’t just talk about our need for change, I have real experience bringing change to the North Country. I am very proud of the central role I had in fighting for, and ultimately passing, the first ethics law our county has had and in forming the St. Lawrence County Board of Ethics. What inspired me to run for the Legislature was the way the interests of the residents of my county were being ignored. I recalled the day I witnessed a politician stand up in front of an audience eager for answers from their legislator. He did not answer them but instead crossed his arms and turned his back on the crowd. I swore I would run for office and never turn my back on the people who elected me to serve. It is important for me to serve in Congress for the same reason. I will be more effective in office than CD NY-21’s current representative since she too has turned her back on the people who elected her by voting for legislation that hurts them. She cast her vote for the highly partisan American Healthcare Act that, if it had passed in the Senate, would have cost thousands of healthcare workers in the North Country their jobs, many of the region’s hospitals could have closed and 83,000 people would have lost their health insurance. In vote after vote on the environment, education, consumer protections, and budget issues she does not serve her constituents, she serves big business and bankers. The 21st Congressional District deserves a representative who will put residents’ interests above party politics and personal political ambition. I am the candidate for the Democratic nomination with the experience to run and to serve as that representative.

Wilson -- We must prioritize meeting the basic needs of our communities if we want to make progress. Right now the cost of living continues to rise while our paychecks have plateaued. Throughout history, we have found that responsible spending during a recession is the only way to rejuvenate the economy, when financial security is threatened and basic needs such as healthcare, housing, childcare and transportation are inaccessible, people stop spending and the markets suffer. With a tax code that favors those whose profits are already soaring and undermines the growth of small businesses, individuals cannot save, local employers cannot create jobs and the economy suffers. This moment calls for infrastructure investment, healthcare reform, a fair and graduated tax code and more common sense policies like paid family leave that will help working families carve out a better future and restore trust in our economy, and therefore our government, by meeting the needs of every family and not just the affluent and powerful. I’m running for Congress to represent the underrepresented. My commitment is to negotiate on behalf of this region - where my business, children, aging parents and home are, where I was born and raised - so we can revitalize the local economy and work together toward a future that our children will thrive in.

Nelson -- In the coming decades the US and the world will be losing farmable land to climate change. In the North Country, however we will likely have a longer growing season. We need a Representative to fight for the necessary infrastructure investments our region will need to keep up with the increased demand that will come in the near future for our agricultural products. This is important for our region, but it is also vital for our country's future.

Ratigan – Dylan Ratigan added no other comments.

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On her campaign home page, businesswoman Emily Martz explains she's running “because I want to live in a just world, a world where everyone has the opportunity to realize their full potential. But the ever-widening wealth gap is destabilizing our economy and society and leaving people behind.” (https://martzforcongress.com/)

Tedra Cobb is a business consultant and former St. Lawrence County legislator whose campaign home page stresses that she is a “North Country Insider | Washington DC Outsider” for whom “the 21st Congressional District is the place she’s called home every day for over 30 years.” (https://www.tedracobb.com/)

On Katie Wilson’s campaign home page, she is described as “a small business owner, local community organizer, and mother of two with deep community roots that go back generations, Katie has a personal understanding of the importance of responsible federal policies – like healthcare and economic development – and how they impact the lives of North Country workers and families like her own.” (https://www.katiewilsonforcongress.com/)

Patrick Nelson said, “Together, we’re going to build a new model of open and transparent government based upon dialogue and not demagoguery. If you believe that America should be run for the people then join our campaign.” (https://www.nelsonforny.com)

Dylan Ratigan, author and former program host and commentator for MSNBC and CNBC, says on his campaign home page that “We all know that our political world is broken: EVERY major issue facing our nation is begging for serious conversation, and the notion that one person could fix this was hopeful, but truly illogical thinking. We have to do this together. We CAN fix this.” (https://www.dylanratigan.com/)

For primary voting June 26, one polling place per town in St. Lawrence County will be open, all from noon to 9 p.m.

For primary voters June 26, one polling place per town in St. Lawrence County will be open, all from noon to 9 p.m.