Nate Shinagawa, Democratic candidate for New York's 23rd Congressional District, recently completed a five-day tour through Chautauqua and Cattaraugus counties.
Last Thursday afternoon, Shinagawa held a news conference in Fredonia, highlighting the importance of small businesses. The news 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," Shinagawa said.
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Nate Shinagawa gathers with supporters during his recent campaign tour of Cattaraugus County.
That evening, Shinagawa attended a rally in Jamestown with more than 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 health care field and the importance of health care 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," Shinagawa said.
On Sunday, Shinagawa started his day in Salamanca going door-to-door before attending a 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," Shinagawa said.