PLATTSBURGH — Congressional candidate Matt Doheny believes that government needs to help make sure that the proper infrastructure exists so business can prosper in the 21st District.
And that includes Internet and wireless-phone service.
“We need to provide an attractive environment to keep entrepreneurs here and make sure they want to go ahead and take a risk,” Doheny said during a recent visit to Plattsburgh.
“We need to make sure they have the resources to continue to grow and compete.”
The Watertown man is the Republican candidate for the 21st District seat. He is also on the Conservative and Independence party lines.
Doheny is seeking to defeat incumbent Democrat Bill Owens of Plattsburgh.
‘INFRASTRUCTURE MATTERS’
The stop in Plattsburgh was part of Doheny’s “50 Businesses in 50 Days” tour, as he travels the vast district learning about issues of interest to businesses. He has already covered agriculture and health care.
The latest topic was technology and telecommunications. He toured TwinState Voice Data Video in Plattsburgh to learn more about that issue.
“This tour has been very educational, and we are seeing that technology and telecommunications is a big part of our future as our economy continues to evolve in the North Country,” Doheny said.
“A lot of times it comes down to one person willing to take a chance, and creativity really is, and will be, a big part of our economy because it is about the brain, and we need the resources to compete globally in this field. People matter. Infrastructure matters.”
Doheny said that, traditionally, government’s involvement meant providing good roads, bridges and water and sewer systems. But now Internet and cell service must be added to the list of items that government can help with.
He said he will work to make sure public and private investments continue to make adequate Internet and cell service available to under-served areas.
OPPONENTS RESPOND
Owens said he has long been a supporter of helping provide adequate Internet and wireless service in the Adirondacks. Such technology is especially helpful to regional hospitals, he said.
“This is very important for tele-medicine, and we are creating a spine that people can tap into,” he said.
“Government still needs to provide roads and bridges, but we also need to stay ahead and devote resources to providing other infrastructure, too.”
Green Party candidate Donald Hassig, considered a longshot in the race, said government involvement in technology infrastructure growth could be dangerous.
“Rapid growth of new technologies involves a significant quantity of risk for the public,” he said.
“Based upon concern for the protection of the environment and public health, it is not sound policy to develop technologies rapidly.”
Email Joe LoTemplio:
jlotemplio@pressrepublican.com
