Mr. Fitzpatrick, Wear a Damn Mask

I’m running against District 8’s current representative in the New York State Assembly Michael Fitzpatrick. When I first began this race I knew that our politics were very different, I’m a Democrat and he’s a Republican, but I believed that at the end of the day he had the best interests of the residents of the District at heart. But his actions just this past month made me realize that this simply isn’t the case.

Our “representative” decided to attend a crowded event in mid-September where a large portion of attendees smiled, shoulder to shoulder, maskless for the camera. No, you read that right.

As COVID cases begin to spike, a fact that scientists, doctors, and elected officials have warned us about, Fitzpatrick and other politicians including Smithtown Town Supervisor Ed Wehrheim and Town Councilman Tom Lohmann decided to openly break just about every single COVID-19 legal mandate and guideline. The very same laws and guidelines which are preventing New York from being absolutely plagued by this pandemic, and saving the lives of thousands.

But, apparently, our “lawmakers” aren’t very fond of the law!

The restaurant where this event was held was 1 of 16 across the state to lose its liquor license, here is the report from the State:

“Based on complaints of a large gathering with no social distancing, investigators with the state's multi-agency task force visited the establishment on September 16th and observed approximately one hundred individuals gathered directly outside the premises. Numerous patrons were standing, drinking, and mingling, most without facial coverings. After making observations, investigators spoke to the owner who admitted that the planned event had spun out of control -- however the establishment apparently continued to serve patrons, rather than temporarily stopping service to alleviate the immediate public health concern.”

To dispute what will be the inevitable defense, let’s break down just how egregious of an insult this was to the residents of District 8 and the people of Smithtown.

“It was outside!” - Correct, but the lack of masks and social distancing, combined with the large crowd, overrules this fact. COVID travels more easily indoors, that’s true, but all we need to do is take a look at the incident at the White House Rose Garden to see just how dangerous even an outdoor event without the most basic precaution can be.

This disease has taken the lives of over 210,000 of our fellow Americans, with an estimated 1,000 dying every day. This disease also presents a higher risk to the elderly, and in a town where the average age skews high, actions like these are unconscionable.

And what did Assemblyman Fitzpatrick view as important enough to put the lives of his constituents at risk? A photo with a Trump impersonator. For the second time, no, you’re not reading that wrong.

Mr. Fitzpatrick, I’m embarrassed for you. When I announced my candidacy COVID-19 was just arriving in our country. Do you know what my first thought was when it grew more and more serious? “I hope my opponent is staying safe and healthy, nothing is more important than that.” So now, when I see you so careless towards your own health and the health of those you represent, I feel somewhat betrayed. I don’t know about anyone else, but I’d prefer an Assemblyman who doesn’t endanger the lives, businesses, and general welfare of his community and district for a now tragically ironic photo.

This disease is non-partisan, it doesn’t care about your beliefs or ideology. Mr. Fitzpatrick, wear a damn mask and be patriotic.