September 30, 2026
At the Monday Steuben County Legislative meeting, a Corning woman who signed up for public comment, stated that ICE was a “fascist” organization and that Corning County Lawmaker Scott Van Etten should be censured, for not being opposed to ICE. “I call for censuring Mr. Van Etten,” the Corning resident stated. “I also call for my representative, Joe Tobia (D, Corning) who is here, also Hilda Lando (D, Corning) to write up a resolution of censure and put it up for a vote.” The Corning resident also went over the time alloted for individuals to make their comments. “Lets find out who you’re going to get in bed with when you vote,” she said, at which point, Steuben County Legislative Chairwoman Kelly Fitzpatrick stepped in. “Thank you, that is your three minutes,” Fitzpatrick explained, though that did not stop that individual. “FAIR is an immigration restriction organization with well documented (unclear due to cross talk). ICE has ties to white nationalists and eugenicists networks-“, and then Fitzpatrick stepped in and said, “That is your three minutes.”
Fitzpatrick strongly disagreed and afterwards gave Wlea News the following statement: “When a person does not abide by the rules of public comment it forces the legislature to look at the current rules. When the words are harsh and inaccurate, public comment serves no purpose.”
