By RICK MILLER
Olean Star
LITTLE VALLEY — More than 30 demonstrators stood for about an hour along both sides of Second Street Friday, waving signs at vehicles headed toward the Ellicottville Brewing Company parking lot.
“What’s going on?” asked two young boys riding their bicycles on Railroad Avenue, unaccustomed to seeing this many people on the street with signs in the village.
Cattaraugus County Republicans were hosting an event with U.S. Rep. Nick Langworthy of the 23rd Congressional District.
The congressman arrived minutes after most demonstrators packed up their signs and left shortly after 6:30 p.m. Only a few diehard protesters remained as Langworthy rode past.
Cattaraugus County Republican Party Chairman Mark Herbeling declined a request for the Olean Star to attend the fundraiser to interview Langworthy. “It’s a private event, an invitation only event, and not open to the public.
The congressman did not respond to a request for an interview.
Langworthy has been dogged by demonstrators for months over his support for federal cuts by President Trump and Elon Musk — first by a dozen people in front of his Olean district office in Blue Bird Square in early March, to lately a couple hundred people at Lincoln Park or along West State Street near Walmart Plaza — rain or shine.
With no shortage of issues, the signs carried by the demonstrators focus on cuts to Medicaid, SNAP, veterans, agriculture and the impact of Trump’s tariff whiplash.
According to one of the demonstrators that remained, Langworthy’s vehicle did not stop.
The groups involved in planning for this continuing protest are affiliated with Moving Forward WNY.
“I’m against this (Trump) administration, of which Nick Langworthy is a part,” said Mary Brooks of Randolph. “I’m protesting cuts to Medicaid.” She said the families of 37.9% of the kids in Little Valley are enrolled in Medicaid.
Another woman who asked that her name not be used said, “There’s a lot more in the budget bill. It’s a big beautiful budget lie.”
Joe King said he too had budget concerns. Also, he said, “
The Republicans are supposed to be the party of law and order.”
Another woman said those protesting “are afraid for our country. People need Social Security, Medicaid and SNAP. A lot of people are just surviving now.” Her sign read: Hands Off Social Security.”
A woman from Fredonia held a sign that said: Rob From The Poor And Give To The Rich.
The budget bill passed by the House will raise taxes on people making less thank $15,000 a year, one man said. “I’m against this whole mess with Trump and Elon Musk. The Congress should rein him in.”
David Boyer said, “I believe in our Democracy.” He carried a sign with letters had been stained by rain from an earlier demonstration. The sign read: Anti Lies. Anti Hate. Anti Racism, Anti Facism. Anti Trump. Diana Godfrey of Steamburg said she was upset over cuts to the Veterans Administration.
“It may seem like a silly thing to do, but what else can we do,” said Terri Boyer Milbrandt. She said she was very upset at the numbers of people who will die without food from USAID.
