Daniel Zuckerman is reporting for Columbia-Greene Media seven of the eight Democrats hoping to unseat U.S. Rep. John Faso in 2018, participated in a forum Tue., Aug. 22, held at Centre Church in Windham. The event was sponsored by the Mountain Top Progressives group. Brian Flynn of Tannersville; David Clegg of Woodstock; Steve Brisee of Wallkill; Jeff Beals of Woodstock; Sue Sullivan of Plattekill; Gareth Rhodes of Kerhonkson; and Pat Ryan of Gardiner all spoke about why they are running in the Democratic primary next year. The eighth contender, Antonio Delgado of Rhinebeck, did not attend, but Nolan Vari read a statement in Delgado's absence. The candidates were questioned by the audience directly on various issues including the candidates' residency status, the opioid epidemic, drug prevention and more. The candidates were encouraged and inspired by the event. The public cares "...about jobs, they care about health care and they care about the fact they feel betrayed by John Faso,” said one candidate. Attendee Elizabeth Gross, of Maplecrest, called the forum a true collaborative effort and said the task of getting seven of the eight candidates together was not easy. “Many of the responses were heartfelt,” she said. Read the full story at HudsonValley360 [dot] com.