On Veterans Day, Assemblymember Paula Elaine Kay sat down with Vision Times in her City Hall office in Middletown, NY, to reflect on her first 11 months in Albany, her deep roots in the 100th Assembly District, and the issues that matter most to local residents.
A diverse and vibrant district
Having called the 100th Assembly District home for nearly three decades, Kay emphasized its diversity.
“The 100th Assembly District runs from Middletown, where we are now, the town of Wallkill, and then most of Sullivan County. So it’s both rural and urban, lots of farms, this wonderful city of Middletown, and some villages in between. Sullivan County is made up of a lot of people who lived in the district for years and years and years, and then we have some newer friends who just moved up from either the city or from Brooklyn over the last few years. So it’s a really lovely diversity,” she said.
Public service and her first months in office
Reflecting on her first 11 months in office, Kay highlighted both the challenges and rewards of her role. “We’ve passed a really large number of bills for a freshman legislator that impacted the district and the state,” she explained.
“In the district, we’ve been very busy since day one helping people with utility bills, which is a very large issue. That’s why I became an intervener in the NYSEG rate case. People are making horrible choices, and that’s something I’m focused very heavily on, as is finding matches to build affordable housing, better access to health care, and making sure people have the access and ability to pay for it.”
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Commitment to veterans
Kay spoke about her dedication to local veterans. “Sometimes veterans have trouble accessing the assistance they should have, both with health care and mental health services. That’s something I’m very proud my office works on, in both the Middletown office and the Monticello office, to make sure veterans get what they need and deserve.”
Community projects and local initiatives
Kay spoke about the “Adopt an Exit” program along Route 17, aimed at beautifying the county and supporting local businesses and nonprofits. “We had to work with the New York State Department of Transportation, which is a very large organization, and get them to believe in a project that had never been allowed on any interstate highway in New York,” she said.
Her dedication extends beyond legislation. “Helping people on an individual basis is very important to me. Currently, we’re having a coat, glove, and food drive in both offices. While there’s a lot of need, there are so many generous people who brought in so much for their neighbors, and it’s really wonderful to see,” Kay noted.
Affordable housing and first responders
Affordable housing and support for first responders remain top priorities. “What we’re seeing here in the 100th district is people just can’t afford to buy what is available. Not only is it cost prohibitive, but it’s not quality housing anymore. If we can get people together and get some real quality workforce housing, I think that’ll be a great change for our district,” she explained.
Regarding first responders, she added: “There are more and more requirements…volunteers are giving of their time more and more, and their jobs are becoming harder. It’s very important to give back.”
Collaboration and civic engagement
Kay stressed the importance of collaboration between state and local leaders.
“Collaboration is everything. I work with the mayor and his staff and Senator Skoufis really on a daily basis. If we have a constituent who has needs and it starts on the local level, we can all work together,” she said.
For young residents and newcomers interested in civic engagement, Kay encouraged involvement: “Register to vote, learn about candidates, ask questions, and get involved in areas that are of interest to you. Whether it’s coaching little league, helping with United Ways or YMCAs, or interning in an elected official’s office, you can learn a lot, and it may spark a future career.”
Vision for the district
She concluded with a message about her office’s mission:
“My office is here for the people. We welcome input, discussion, and dialog. Whether it’s an issue with the Department of Environmental Conservation, insurance, housing, health care, or our first responders, we want to make this community safer, stronger, and to add to the pride that I think a lot of people have who live here,” Kay said.
