
We’re joined by another candidate running for state office.
We talk with Orlando Rivera, candidate for Assembly District 136. He answers our questions and yours about his platforms and priorities for office.
Our guest:
- Orlando Rivera, candidate for New York State Assembly District 136
Key issues raised by candidate during "Connections" appearance:
- Rivera and Dawson talked extensively about public safety issues, with Rivera noting that crime in Rochester has affected businesses and neighborhoods, and that he'd look to "hopefully make a change to that environment."
- He sees a strong need to hold people responsible for their actions, saying that when he was younger, parents of that generation held children to a certain standard. These days, he said, "it seems like it's a revolving door, where people are allowed to commit a crime and then they're right back at it again."
- Regarding bail reform and other measures, while he sees that the actions were well-intended, he thinks the state needs to "start from scratch" again because people are seeing there are "no consequences" for their actions. "So it essentially becomes a recruitment tool for folks to commit crimes," he said.
- Even with additional judicial discretion when it comes to bail reform, Rivera said they're not using it "to the best of their ability." He suggested that perhaps more training is needed.
- For people who have been incarcerated, Rivera said rehabilitation efforts are necessary. He said a mentorship program could be helpful.
- Other top concerns include helping people "earn a decent wage." He noted that he has experience in training and workforce development and would work toward implementing work experience programs.
- He believes homeownership is the way to grow generational wealth, and he would work to give more people access to that.
- Rivera also said he's a "big proponent" of charter schools.
*Notes: To hear our interview with Rivera's opponent, Sarah Clark, click here.
You can read more about this race and others you'll see on your ballot in the WXXI Local Elections Guide.