Rochester city GOP leader talks inaugural trip with a mission

Rochester, NY (WHAM) – Inauguration Day is approaching on Monday, with President-elect Donald Trump taking the oath of office in the nation’s capital.

From our area, a number of local leaders will make the trip to Washington, including Marcus C. Williams, chairman of the Rochester City Republican Committee.

For Williams, it is a journey of initiation with a mission.

“I will do my best to engage with other like-minded people and see what works and what doesn’t so that when I get home I can better engage in getting people active in our community here ,” he said.

Williams ran for the state’s 137th Assembly District last election, losing to incumbent Democrat Demond Meeks. But Williams feels that the political winds may be changing nationally and at home. The outgoing administration of President Joe Biden, he said, leaves much to be desired.

BACKGROUND: The Race for District 137: Meeks and Williams discuss important community issues

“Well, the last four years have been lackluster to say the least,” he said.

Williams said the national Republican Party has broadened its tentpole in recent years and feels it is more grounded in common sense. He hopes Trump can focus on three big issues.

“Deregulation, better monetary policy and dealing with the national debt,” he said.

He also said he hopes the Trump administration will remove extra powers from the bureaucracy.

“It burdens the public and local state or local governments, preventing them from being able to best serve their people,” he said.

MORE: Reps order US Capitol flag raised to full height for Trump’s inauguration | Michelle Obama Opts Out of Trump Inauguration | Carrie Underwood to headline Trump’s inauguration with the America the Beautiful performance

Democratic Rep. Joe Morelle will also be there Monday. He took time with 13WHAM to share more of a message of unity as Americans.

“Whether I vote for a president or not doesn’t matter. What matters is that we respect the wishes of the American public,” Morelle said. “So on Monday I’ll be there, obviously not someone who voted for Donald Trump, but he (will be) president of the United States.”

Morelle said Parliament will need to have opportunities to find common ground for both parties.

“You know, just resisting for the sake of resisting doesn’t make sense,” he said. “We all live here. We all want this country to succeed.”

Regardless of the celebration, Williams said this inauguration will make history.

“Yes, this will be one of the most important, memorable inaugurations we’ve had,” he said.

_____