Reed addresses allegations of misconduct | News, Sports, Jobs

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Photo of Dennis Phillips From left to right, Dan Heitzenrater, upcoming chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce CEO, and Representative Tom Reed, R-Corning, at the County Chamber of Commerce Federal Congress Luncheon from Chautauqua to the Chautauqua Harbor hotel on Thursday.

CELORON – Rep. Tom Reed, R-Corning, said Thursday he planned to run for New York state governor, but decided not to do so after allegations of sexual misconduct against him were revealed last March.

At the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce Federal Congress luncheon at the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel on Thursday, Reed made the announcement as part of his closing remarks. The congressman never officially announced his candidacy for governor in 2022, but announced in February that he was “seriously considering” running for the post.

Reed said he was told to “deny, deny, deny” the allegations of sexual misconduct brought against him by Nicolette Davis, a former junior lobbyist for an insurance company, who said Reed acted to inappropriately towards her in 2017 on a networking trip to an Irish Pub in Minneapolis. However, Reed said it would have been wrong of him to run for governor after the allegations came to light because it would not have been fair to his family.

“My integrity and my sobriety were too important to me,” he said.

Reed said that due to the amount of alcohol he must have been drinking, he couldn’t remember all of his actions that night in 2017. He noted that he had been sober for three and a half years, one of the main reasons being because of this “incident.” He added that he went to Congress to help people.

“I never intended to hurt anyone,” he said.

Reed said he received “overwhelming” support from many people in the 23rd Arrondissement, including some who attended the lunch. He said that during this time in March he found out who his true friends were and who were not. He added that he was committed from the time he won the first congressional election in 2010, he would only be a representative for 12 years, so he had no plans to run for the seat again. of the 23rd Congressional District.

As for the future, Reed, 49, said he was not aware of a possible return to politics.

“If the gubernatorial candidacy is in the future, who knows,” he said.

In March, Reed apologized to Davis.

“Even though I only hear about this case as stated by Ms Davis in the article now, I can hear her voice and I will not reject it,” he said at the time. “Put simply, my behavior caused him pain, showed him disrespect and was unprofessional. I was wrong, I am sorry, and I take full responsibility. I also apologize to my wife and children, my family, the residents of the 23rd arrondissement, my colleagues and those who supported me for the harm this caused them.

REED ON ISSUES

Prior to Reed’s closing remarks, he answered questions from people who attended the lunch in person and those who attended virtually online. Dan Heitzenrater, the upcoming chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce chairman and CEO, asked the questions provided, which included what the congressman thinks about the New York City redistribution process after the 2020 census.

Reed said New York is expected to lose two congressional seats, but only lost one, the total falling to 26. Even though the state’s population was higher than expected, Reed said leaders of Local businesses, such as those attending the lunch, are needed. to keep people employed so they don’t leave the state.

“We have to stem the loss of population,” he said.

Reed said this redistribution effort will be different from the past. He said the state generally controls redistribution efforts, which will be driven by Democrats who have more elected officials. However, he said that this time the national leaders of the Democratic Party will have more influence, who will push for four “super districts” for Republicans, including the 23rd district in western New York. He added that there are currently eight U.S. Republican Houses of Representatives in New York state, but that number could drop to four if Democrats have what they want.

“I don’t like it,” Reed said of national influence over the redistribution process, which is supposed to be managed at the state level. “He plays on the extremes of the left and the right. “

Reed was asked about the increase in the national debt and its impact on inflation. Reed said the country had been going through an experiment known as “modern monetary theory” for 10 to 15 years, which he didn’t even know was happening. He said the theory places very little weight on debt. He added that this type of theory is “dangerous” and will lead to the devaluation of the US currency and higher taxes. Reed said the country has $ 30 trillion in debt and in a few months $ 50 trillion will be lost.

“With $ 30 trillion in debt, there is no turning back,” he said.

There were also questions about Cuban protesters revolting against the Communist government for several reasons, including lack of food and medicine.

“I absolutely support the people who have taken to the streets – they are fighting for freedom,” he said.

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