Nate Shinagawa, Democratic candidate for New York's 23rd Congressional District, held a five-day tour through Chautauqua and Cattaraugus counties.
On Thursday, Shinagawa held a press conference in Fredonia, highlighting the importance of small businesses. The press conference was held at the Buster Brown Bean and Co. Cafe and Bistro, and speakers included Mayor Stephen Keefe of Fredonia, and bistro owner David Culver.
"Small businesses are the heart of local economies in Western New York. We need to make sure that start-up loans are easier to get at the small business level, make healthcare more affordable so small businesses can continue to hire, and strengthen our safety net, so in the case of another economic downturn, owners won't have to close up shop and employees don't have to be concerned for their families' futures," said Shinagawa.
That evening, Shinagawa attended a rally in Dunkirk with over 70 supporters attending at the Falcon Club.
On Friday morning, Shinagawa spoke to doctors, nurses, and administrators at WCA Hospital in Jamestown, speaking about his experience in the healthcare field and the importance of healthcare reform, as well as the key things missing from the Affordable Care Act to reduce costs.
On Saturday morning, Shinagawa attended a rally organized by the AFL-CIO in Dunkirk.
"We need to get the Southern Tier back on track to doing what it does best, manufacturing with skilled labor. We need to get our economy going again by investing in infrastructure and standing up to Congressman Reed's policies that incentivize shipping jobs overseas," said Shinagawa.
On Sunday, Shinagawa was in Cattaraugus County. He started his day in Salamanca going door-to-door, and Sunday afternoon, Shinagawa attended the Gun Show at the Seneca Allegany Casino.
"We need to respect the rights of responsible gun owners. We don't need any more laws, and we can better ensure safety if the laws we have in place are better enforced. Many of my friends use guns for recreation, and there is no reason to have someone that's working against them in Congress," said Shinagawa.
