Weprin Heads To Jewish Center To Talk Up Medicare, Government Issues

Congressional candidate and Assemblyman David Weprin, D-Little Neck, stopped by The Jewish Center of Kew Gardens Hills on Monday afternoon in an attempt to talk to some older voters about the reality facing them with regard to Medicare and Social Security.

Weprin was joined by State Sen. Toby Stavisky, D-Whistestone, who helped set up the event.

Many of the attendees also asked questions about the fight over the debt limit, and the seeming intractability between Congress and the President this summer.

Weprin, for his part, fielded questions quietly and without any sound bites or slogans.

His style, working the room, was easily discernable as the diametric opposite former U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiner.

He did, however, aggressively campaign for the upholding of the current Medicare and Social Security systems.

“We have to protect our seniors and people with disabilities, as well,” Weprin said. “I think it’s very, very important, when you’re talking about vulnerable populations, they certainly will be a priority for me. Our children, our seniors, and those with disabilities.”

Weprin also made at least one surprising admission during the course of the sit-down, calling himself a social progressive and a fiscal conservative.

“There has to be a major effort [on the debt,]” he said. “I’d like to consider myself aggressive on social issues but more of a fiscal conservative.”

The assemblyman also came out in favor of the president’s plan to close tax loopholes for the sale of yachts and corporate jets. He also boasted of what’s become a badge of honor of sorts for former City Council members, saying he voted against overturning term limits in his time on the City Council.

On the same day, Republican candidate Bob Turner released a statement on Medicare and Social Security, as well.

“I believe that these programs should be preserved as they are for those in or near retirement, and that we should work to strengthen and preserve them for our children and future generations,” Turner said. “I oppose efforts to privatize or bankrupt either.”