Library Was Scene of Forum & Protest: Kuhl Vote Draws AFL-CIO Ire

(Southeast Steuben County Library)

March 31, 2007

Library was scene of forum & protest:

Kuhl vote draws AFL-CIO ire

Article & photos by Brad Turner

There could be no mistake about it. Democracy was in action at the Southeast Steuben County Library today. A "Town Hall Meeting" convened by Congressman Randy Kuhl (R-New York's 29th District) in the Laura Beer Community Room drew supporters and protesters to the Library, along with local reporters and television media.

The meeting was one in a series of public forums convened by Congressman Kuhl to keep in touch with his constituents and the general public.

Protesters from the Rochester and Genesee Valley Labor Federation of the AFL-CIO massed outside the Library's main entrance. Organizer Aron J. Reina said they were there to protest Kuhl's vote against the Employee Free Choice Act, which would streamline the process for employees to select union representation. Kuhl, initially a co-sponsor of the bill (HR 800), withdrew his support and voted "no" when the bill came before the House of Representatives earlier this month. The bill passed the House and is awaiting consideration by the US Senate. Others said they were there also to protest Kuhl's support of President Bush's actions in Iraq.