Statement from Jackie Auringer Calling on Pat Ryan to State Position on Ulster County Income Tax

"Pat Ryan's campaign has had nearly two months to answer one simple question: Does he support or oppose creating a new Ulster County income tax?

Instead of answering, his campaign attacked me and recited a list of Washington talking points. Now, as county lawmakers prepare to vote, Congressman Ryan's silence is no longer acceptable.

The proposal has been rewritten. Income thresholds have changed. The surcharge rate has actually gone up. But the fundamental question hasn't changed at all: Can Ulster County residents become the first in New York to bear the weight of its own income tax? If it passes here, it won't stay here - it will spread to neighboring counties next.

Pat Ryan served as Ulster County Executive. He represents much of Ulster County in Congress. He doesn't get to pretend this has nothing to do with him.

Residents deserve to know where their congressman stands before the vote - not after, once it's politically convenient. Congressman Ryan needs to answer clearly, today: Does he support this new income tax, or does he oppose it?

I'll be there when county lawmakers vote on this, and I encourage every Ulster County resident who cares about this issue to show up too. Congressman Ryan has ducked this question for nearly two months. Will he finally come out of hiding?"