Herald 2014 Voter's Guide

October 30, 2014

VOTER'S GUIDE

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ELECTION 2014 A LOOK AT THE CANDIDATES

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6th senate District Kemp Hannon

INCUMBENT — Republican, Independent, Conservative, Tax Revolt Age: 68 Lives in: Garden City Career: Lawyer with Farrell Fritz, PC; New York State senator, 1989-present Education: Chaminade High School, Boston College, Fordham University School of Law Family: Married, two daughters On the Issues: Kemp Hannon, who was first elected to the New York State Senate in 1988, has made much of his mark in health care. He serves as the chairman of the Senate’s Standing Committee on Health.

He has successfully fought for the passage of the

I-Stop program, which creates an online database to track the issuance of prescription pain killers and put a stop to “doctor shopping.”

In response to the heroin epidemic, Hannon has worked to expand access to an overdose antidote. He has also pushed for insurance reforms to speed up requests for rehab, and set up a Lyme disease task

force.

Hannon says he wants to look at ways to reduce mandates for school districts, and said more control needs to be exercised over the Board of Regents which often, on its own, creates new directives without regard for how those would be funded. He would also like to look at ways of removing “hidden taxes,” and would eventually like to see the state do away wit the MTA payroll tax.

Keeping Republican control of the state Senate is key, Hannon says, in order to protect Long Island’s interests. He says he has the experience to deal with the challenges the state faces.

Ethan Irwin

CHALLENGER — Democrat, Working Families Age: 40 Lives in: Levittown Career: Attorney with Blank Rome LLP Education: Civil defense litigator, Bruno, Gerbino and Soriano Family: Married, two daughters On the Issues: Ethan Irwin says it is time for a change in the district.

Irwin, who ran for a seat on the Nassau County Legislature in 2011, is an attorney, community activist, volunteer emergency medical technician and served in the Marines. He says that the state Senate is in need of people who can look 20 years down the road, a per-

spective he said he would bring to the table.

He said he wants to use New York’s $2 billion surplus, in addition to the billions expected to come in from bank settlements, to provide more financial aid to schools and reduce property taxes on homeowners. He is concerned that young people are leaving Long Island because they cannot afford it, and

many seniors are also being forced out by high taxes.

Reducing the tax burden is Irwin’s major issue. He said he wants to increase property tax exemptions for veterans, and wants the state to pay for it. Now, he said, when a veteran receives an exemption, other taxpayers in the community make up the difference.

Irwin said he would also like to provide additional tax breaks for small businesses.

He wants the state to work with local governments to provide more opportunities for rental housing.

Irwin said that he understands the plight of the average middle class family on Long Island.

This district includes all of parts of Lakeview, West Hempstead, Garden City, Hempstead, Uniondale, East Meadow, Levittown, Hicksville, Bethpage, Plainview, Old Bethpage, Farmingdale, North Massapequa, Massapequa Seaford and North Wantagh.

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7th senate District Adam Haber

Jack Martins

Democrat

INCUMBENT-Republican

Age: 47 Lives in: Mineola Career: Mayor of Mineola, Senator Education: Bachelor’s degree from American University and his J.D. from St. John’s University School of Law Political experience: Mayor of Mineola, Senate Family: Wife, Paula, and four daughters On the Issues: The issues important in this election are taxes, jobs and education, Martins says.

He said that tax relief is priority number one for Long Island families. He voted to cut taxes nearly fifty times in the Senate, including cutting

income taxes for middle class families. He also supported New York State’s property tax cap and passed four on-time, fiscally responsible budgets which closed multi-billion dollar deficits without raising taxes.

Martins believes the best way to create jobs is to lower the cost of doing business in New York State and make smart investments in infra-

structure. He led the fight to repeal the MTA payroll tax for Long Island small businesses and lowered the corporate and manufacturing tax rates for local businesses. He also fought for additional highway aid and supported the NY Works program to help create jobs and rebuild o infrastructure.

Martins has fought for additional state aid to help schools. He has helped deliver an over 19% increase state education aid to schools in his Senate district since taking office, with these schools receiving over $167 million in combined state education aid this year.

Lives in: Roslyn Career: Venture capitalist Political experience: Ran for Nassau County Executive last year.

Family: Wife, Renee, and two children On the Issues: The most important issues in this election are taxes, jobs, women’s issues and reforming government, Haber says.

Too many families in Nassau are being taxed out of our community and many young people can’t afford t o live here, Haber says. He is against all new tax increases.

Haber has had a successful career in the private

sector, running companies, thriving businesses, managing complex budgets and creating jobs. He says that cutting bureaucratic red tape and reducing taxes on small businesses will create jobs.

Haber says it’s a disgrace that society still doesn’t treat men and women equally and it’s shocking women are only paid 83 cents on the dollar for the same work as men.

Supports the Fair Pay Act becomes law, ensuring women are paid equally for the same work.

Haber believes we need to make state government more open and transparent to taxpayers. he is a reformer and wants to force legislators to publicly disclose their outside income, ensuring that elected officials are standing up for us and not the special interests.

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8th senate District 9th senate eLectiOn 2014 th senate 9District Michael Venditto

Dave Denenberg*

Republican, Conservative, Independence

Democrat, Working Families

Age: 33 ter on Long Island, waiting Lives in: Massapequa for the State Department of Family: Wife, Antonella; a Health to complete a review son. of hydrofracking’s risks INCUMBENT — Republican, Conservative, Independence Party Education: Law degree, St. before deciding whether jobs.

Age: 66 John’s University School of hydrofracking should be perSkelos is proud of the Livesbachelor’s in: Rockville Centre Law; degree, Hofmitted in New York, developDean Skelos ing bipartisanship that has Career: attorney; one term stra University. downtowns in a manner INCUMBENT — Republican, Conservative, Independence Party grown in Albany the past in State Nassau Assembly, 14 terms Career: County leg“consistent with over ... suburban jobs.

Age: 662012-14. in State Senate. Senate islator, Former two years.

It helped lead to quality of life. ” is proud of the in Lives in:to Rockville majority leader, counsel Town minority of Centre Hempthe Skelos first on-time budgets ports cutting property taxes, munity, North Bellmore, bipartisanship that has Career: attorney; one term stead Board and Town of leader. years. maintaining Gov. Andrew South Bellmore, Seaford in Albany over the past in State Assembly, 14 terms Hempstead deputy town Education: Washington Col- Cuomo’s 2 percent property- grown Skelos said he worked to Harbor and Old Lindenmere in State Senate.

Senate two years.

It helped lead to attorney. lege; Fordham University restore state education fundtax levy cap, cutting regulaCivic Associations; Bellmore, majority leader, minority the first on-time budgets in Political ElectSchool ofexperience: Law tions on businesses, cutting ing that was cut during the Merrick, Freeport and Sealeader. years. ed to Nassau County LegisFamily: Married, one son state spending, investing in previous session. ford Historical Societies; Education: Washington ColSkeloslegislative said he worked to lature in 2012 and 2013.

Skelos also worked to repeal infrastructure, reducing stan- restore Bellmore and Wantagh Preslege; Fordham University He wants to continue state educationmaking fundOther: Lions many parts of thein MTA PayOn theMassapequa Issues: dardized testing schools, School of Law ervation Societies; Board surethat thatwas Long ing cutIsland during the Club, Seaford Kiwanis Club, roll Tax. He also voted to Skelos, a 14-term incumFamily: Married, one son increasing state aid to Long member, Bellmore-Merrick previous legislative session. schools get the funding they Sons Italy Columbus *Editor’s note: Denenberg pass the 2 %worked Tax Cap bent, of says that taxes are still Island Skelos also to and repeal He wants to continue making schools, assisting Community Wellness Counneed.

Lodge 2143, Sonsfacing of the many parts of the MTA PayOn Issues: says itstruggling has been in the the biggest issue those toeffective recover cil; Board member, Stop Pol- announced on Sept. 23 that sureSkelos that Long said Island he wants to AMVETS. roll Tax. He also voted to Skelos, a 14-term incumhe was dropping out of the district. curbing the ever-increasing from Hurricane Sandy, proluting and Littering and Save schools get the funding they keep the bipartisanship in pass the 2 % Tax Cap and bent, says that taxes are still race. However, he remains a To that end, Skelos is a propertythe taxes on Long hibiting disposal of our Harbors (SPLASH). need.

Albany going and keep getOn the issues: Venditto supthe biggest issue facing the says it has been effective in candidate on the ballot. supporter of measures to Island. Hefracturing also touted the hydraulic wastewaSkelos said he wants to ting things done. Next sescurbing the ever-increasing district. bring taxes down. First and self-imposed 2 % cap the keep the bipartisanship in property taxes on Long To that end, Skelos is a he wants to do more to state used to limit its budget sion, foremost among them is the Albany going and keep getIsland. He also touted the supporter of measures to help create a better business This district serves all of parts of Baldwin, Bellmore, Freeport, Massapequa, Merrick, Roosevelt, Seaford, Farmingdale, South Hempstead and Wantagh, and part of Suffolk County. increases. tax cap,South which Skelos supting things done.

Next sesself-imposed 2 % cap the bring taxes down. First and climate in the state and help A big supporter of creatported and helped pass last sion, he wants to do more to state used to limit its budget foremost among them is the businesses succeed.

He also help create a better business ing private-sector jobs, Skelyear.

That, Skelos said, helps increases. tax cap, which Skelos supwants toinprovide municipaliclimate the state and help os wants to reduce of taxes keeps taxes pass — thelast A big supporter creatportedschool and helped ties and school districts businesses succeed.

He with also andprivate-sector regulations onjobs, manufaclargest partSkelos of peoples’ tax year.

That, said, helps ing Skelwants to providerelief. municipalimore mandate turers to help createtaxes more bill — at a manageable level. os keeps school taxes — the wants to reduce

Age: 51 Lives in: Merrick Family: Wife, Cara; children, Amanda, Danielle and Aron.

Education: Law degree, Brooklyn Law School; bachelor’s degree, Cooper Union.

Career: Nassau County legislator 2000-2014. Former private practice attorney specializing in intellectual property and environmental law.

Political experience: Elected to Nassau County Legislature eight times since 1999, candidate for State Assembly in 1992 and 1994.

Other: Bellmore, Merrick, Seaford and Wantagh Kiwanis and Lions Clubs; Merrick Estates, North and Central Merrick, South Merrick Com-

On the issues: Denenberg supports cutting property taxes; setting a property-tax cap for “young, working and fixed-income families”; increasing state aid to Long Island schools; combating unfunded state mandates to schools; improving science, technology, engineering and math education; promoting “smart growth” and job opportunities on Long Island; assisting those struggling to recover from Hurricane Sandy; making the South Shore more resilient against future storms.

District Dean Skelos

eLectiOn 2014

9th senate eLectiOn 2014 District 98th senate District largest part of peoples’ tax bill — at a manageable level.

Dean Skelos Dave Denenberg* INCUMBENT — Republican, Conservative, Independence Party Democrat, Working Families

Age: 51 66 Age: Lives in: in: Merrick Rockville Centre Lives Career:Wife, attorney; term Family: Cara;one children, in State Assembly, 14 terms Amanda, Danielle and Aron.

Education: Law degree, in State Senate.

Senate Brooklyn Law School; bachemajority leader, minority lor’s degree, Cooper Union. leader.

Career: Nassau County CollegEducation: Washington islator 2000-2014.

Former lege; Fordham University private School practice of Law attorney specializing in intellectual Family: Married, one son property and environmental law.

On the Issues: Political experience: ElectSkelos, a 14-term incumed to Nassau County Legisbent, says that taxes are lature eight times since still the biggest issue for facing the 1999, candidate State district. in 1992 and Assembly To that end, Skelos is a 1994.

Other: Bellmore, Merrick, supporter of measures to Seaford anddown.

Wantagh bring taxes FirstKiwanand is and Lions Clubs; Merrick foremost among them is the Estates, North and Central tax cap, which Skelos supMerrick, South Merrick ported and helped passComlast

munity, North Bellmore, South Seaford SkelosBellmore, also worked to repeal Harbor and Old Lindenmere many parts of the MTA PayCivic Associations; Bellmore, roll Tax. He also voted to Merrick, Freeport and Seapass the 2 % Tax Cap and ford Historical Societies; says it hasand been effective in Bellmore Wantagh Prescurbing the ever-increasing ervation Societies; Board property taxes on Long member, Bellmore-Merrick Island. He also toutedCounthe Community Wellness self-imposed 2 % cap thePolcil; Board member, Stop state used to limit its luting and Littering andbudget Save our Harbors (SPLASH). increases.

jobs.

On the issues: Denenberg Skeloscutting is proud of the supports property bipartisanship has taxes; setting athat property-tax grown Albanyworking over theand past cap forin“young, fixed-income families”; two years. It helped lead to increasing state aid to Long the first on-time budgets in Island years. schools; combating unfunded mandates to Skelos state said he worked to schools; improving science, restore state education fundtechnology, engineering and ing that was cut during the math education; promoting previousgrowth” legislative “smart and session. job He wants to continue opportunities on Longmaking Island; assisting those strugsure that Long Island gling to recover Hurrischools get the from funding they cane need.Sandy; making the South Shore more resilient Skelos said he wants to against future storms.

and regulations on manufacturers to help create more

ties and school districts with more mandate relief.

This district serves all or parts of Elmont, Baldwin, This district serves all or Republican, Conservative, Independence Franklin Square, Atlantic Beach, Pat Gillespie parts of Elmont, Baldwin, CHALLENGER — Democrat Age: 33 24 Woodmere, Age: ter on Long Island,Cedarhurst, waitingBeach, Franklin Square, Atlantic Lives in: East Rockaway Lives in: Massapequa for the State Department of Valley Stream, Malverne, Age: 24 Woodmere, Cedarhurst, Career: Nassau County Board Family: a Health Valley toOceanside, complete a review Lives in:Wife, EastAntonella; Rockaway Stream,Hewlett, Malverne, of Elections Career: Nassau County Board son. of hydrofracking’s risks East Rockaway, Long Beach, Oceanside, Hewlett, Family: Single of Elections Education: Law degree, St. before deciding whether East Rockaway, Long Beach, Island Park, Point Lookout, Family:University Single School of John’s hydrofracking should be perThere is no information Island Park, Point Lookout, Centre, Law; bachelor’s degree, HofmittedInwood, in NewRockville York, developThere is no information available about Gillespie. He Inwood, Rockville Centre, stra University. ing downtowns in a manner South Hempstead, available about Gillespie.

He did not campaign and did South Hempstead, Career: Nassau County leg“consistent with ... suburban West Hempstead, Lynbrook, did campaign and did not not respond to theFormer Herald’s islator, 2012-14. quality of life. ” West Hempstead, Lynbrook, not respond to the Herald’s Lido Beach and Lawrence. requests for interviews. counsel to Town of Hemp-

Pat Gillespie Michael Venditto CHALLENGER — Democrat

requests for interviews. stead Board and Town of Hempstead deputy town attorney.

Political experience: Elected to Nassau County Legislature in 2012 and 2013.

Other: Massapequa Lions Club, Seaford Kiwanis Club, Sons of Italy Columbus Lodge 2143, Sons of AMVETS.

ports cutting property taxes, maintaining Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s 2 percent propertytax levy cap, cutting regulations on businesses, cutting state spending, investing in infrastructure, reducing standardized testing in schools, increasing state aid to Long Island schools, assisting those struggling to recover from Hurricane Sandy, prohibiting the disposal of hydraulic fracturing wastewa-

Lido Beach and Lawrence.

keep the bipartisanship in Albany going keep get*Editor’s note:and Denenberg ting things done.

Next23sesannounced on Sept. that sion, hedropping wants to out do more he was of theto help create a better business race.

However, he remains a On the issues: Venditto supcandidate on the ballot. climate in the state and help A big supporter of creatyear. That, Skelos said, helps ing private-sector jobs, Skel- businesses succeed. He also wants to provide municipalios wants to reduce taxes keeps school taxes — the This district serves all of parts of Baldwin, Bellmore, Freeport, Massapequa, Merrick, Roosevelt, Seaford, South Farmingdale, South Hempstead and Wantagh, and part of Suffolk County. and regulations on manufac- ties and school districts with largest part of peoples’ tax more mandate relief. bill — at a manageable level. turers to help create more

Pat Gillespie

This district serves all or

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2nD cOnGressiOnaL District Patricia Maher

Peter King

CHALLENGER — Democrat

INCUMBENT — Republican Age: 70 Lives in: Seaford Political experience: Congressman, 1993-present; Nassau County comptroller; 1982-1992; Town of Hempsted councilman, 19781981.

Career: U.S. Congressman representing 2nd District Education: St. Francis College, bachelor’s degree, political science; Notre Dame law school, juris doctorate Family: Wife, Rosemary, two children On the issues: Peter King, a resident of Seaford for the last 43 years, has risen to prominence among U.S. congressmen and frequently appears on national news shows to discuss international issues. He

has been mentioned as a possible presidential candidate in 2016.

There are several issues King wants to address if he is re-elected, but the safety and security of America is one that tops his list. As a member of the House Homeland Security Committee and as chairman of the Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence, he wants to ensure that the U.S. is prepared for any terrorism

threats. Funding for training and equipment for police departments is crucial, he explained.

King fought for more funding for New York in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.

While he sees himself as a strong Republican, King said he has an ability to work with representatives on both sides of the aisle, and will buck his own party when necessary.

King said he understands the concerns of people who have seen costs rise while their incomes remain flat.

The federal government must do more to help guide the country out of a lingering recession, he said, including more middle-income tax relief.

Age: 48 Lives in: East Meadow Political experience: None.

Ran for Nassau County Legislature in 2011.

Career: Marketing and branding executive and licensed real estate agent; work in non-profit sector to educate public about seizure disorders Education: University of South Carolina, bachelor’s degree, political science; Hofstra University, master’s degree, humanities.

On the issues: Patricia Maher says her opponent, long-time Congressman Peter King, has lost touch with the everyday concerns of his constituents. She says she is better equipped to represent the people of the district, which spans from

Seaford to Sayville.

She is concerned that there are not enough livingwage jobs on Long Island, and would want to set up an advisory committee with representatives from both small and large businesses. Maher also wants to pass legislation that would take regional cost of living into account when determining an individual’s or family’s income tax.

She proposes providing a cost of living increase to

seniors on social security.

College costs are also a concern, and she wants to increase the amount of money students can receive under Pell Grants, create a tax credit for families with certain income requirements, and enact student loan reforms.

Maher is concerned that people are still feeling the effects of Hurricane Sandy and would push for federal legislation to reverse the law for those affected who took small business loans, and to have FEMA funds released to all of those that haven’t received full funds for the value of their homes.

If elected, she says she would promote Long Island to high-tech companies and manufacturing firms.

This district serves Seaford, Massapequa and portions of southwest Suffolk County. A third candidate, William Stevenson, who is running on the Green Party line, could not be reached for comment.

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4th cOnGressiOnaL District Kathleen Rice

Bruce Blakeman

Democrat, Working Families

Republican, Conservative, Independence

Age: 59 Lives in: Long Beach Family: Son from previous marriage; engaged to be married.

Education: Law degree, California Western School of Law; bachelor’s degree, Arizona State University; associate’s degree, College of the Desert in Palm Desert, Calif.

Career: President, Madison Strategies, Ltd., a business consulting firm; executive director and board member, New York Police Chiefs’ Benevolent Association; deputy counsel, Nassau County Fire Marshal’s Benevolent Association. Former Nassau County legislator; Town of Hempstead councilman; vice president, American Jewish Congress; attorney at law, Abrams, Fensterman, Fensterman, Eisman, Formato, Ferrara & Einiger, LLP; commissioner, Port Authority of

ture re-election bid. Candidate for U.S. Senate in 2010.

New York and New Jersey; partner, Robert M. Blakeman & Associates; senior fellow, Homeland Security Management Institute of Long Island University; president, Tobacco Settlement Local Development Corp.

Political experience: Elected Town of Hempstead councilman in 1993. Elected Nassau County legislator in 1995 and 1997. Presiding officer of County Legislature, 1996-1999. Candidate for state comptroller in 1998.

Lost 1999 County Legisla-

On the issues: Blakeman supports creating jobs, lowering taxes on “job creators” and the middle class, cutting government regulations like Dodd-Frank, cutting spending, streamlining government, repealing the Affordable Care Act, replacing the ACA with an “assigned risk system,” building up the military, reducing the deficit, permitting and promoting fracking, expanding the private sector and faith-based services, defending religious freedom from government infringement, and ensuring proper health care for veterans.

Age: 49 Lives in: Garden City Family: Unmarried.

Education: Law degree, Touro Law Center; bachelor’s degree, The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. Career: Nassau County district attorney, former assistant U.S. attorney in Philadelphia and assistant district attorney in Brooklyn.

Political experience: Beat Dennis Dillon, a 31-year incumbent, in 2005 election to become first female district attorney in Nassau County’s history. Re-elected DA in 2009 and 2013. Candidate for state attorney general in 2010.

On the issues: Rice supports cutting taxes on the middle class; providing tax credits to help pay for child care; growing the tax base;

raising the federal minimum wage; making college more affordable by allowing refinancing of high loan interest rates and expanding college tax breaks and Pell Grants for middle class and lowerincome families; supporting veterans with better health care, education and job opportunities; protecting Social Security and Medicare; giving tax incentives to businesses that hire new workers or increase hours; preserving the Affordable Care Act; reducing texting

while driving; mandating universal background checks for gun purchases; reinstating the Assault Weapons Ban; closing the gun-show loophole; defending abortion rights and increasing reproductive health-care access; ending the gender wage gap; legalizing same-sex marriage nationally and passing the Employment Non-Discrimination Act; cutting subsidies to oil companies; creating a “pathway to citizenship” for some undocumented immigrants; deporting undocumented immigrants who do not qualify for asylum under law; reauthorizing the U.S. Export-Import Bank.

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5th cOnGressiOnaL District Allen Steinhardt

Gregory Meeks

CHALLENGER — Allen for Congress

INCUMBENT — Democrat

Age: 61 Lives in: St. Albans, Queens Profession: Attorney. Was a prosecutor and served as a supervising judge on the state’s Workmen’s Compensation Board. A former state legislator.

Education: Bachelor’s degree from Adelphi University and a law degree from Howard University Personal: Married, three children On the issues: Incumbent Meeks said to help continue the rebuild after Hurricane Sandy money from the Build it Back program in the city has to get those who need it and the government has to get money to Nassau and Suffolk. He said that the Army

Corps of Engineers are needed to build up the sand dunes and do beach replenishment. He agrees with President Obama’s “no U.S. boots on the ground” strategy in the conflict against the Islamic State militants.

Meeks says that sends the wrong message that we are against Sunni Muslims. He said that there needs to be a multi-faceted effort from several nations with “skin in the game” such as Saudi

Arabia, Qatar and Turkey.

Meeks strongly believes that the Affordable Health Act benefitted many, pointing out that it extends coverage to substantially more people than were covered before including those with preexisting conditions and children up to 26, while overall costs have been reduced.

Meeks said he wants to help ensure that St. John’s Episcopal Hosital doesn’t close like Peninsula Hospital and will work with state legislators to make sure public hospitals remain open. He said that the Common Core Learning Standards need to be re-evaluated and account for a more holistic approach.

He thinks the money should be found to maintain the Rockaway ferry service.

Age: 54 Lives in: Rockaway Park, Queens Profession: General contractor.

Education: A graduate of Perh Amboy (NJ) Vocational School. Degree in computer science from Cittone Institute in Ramsey, NJ. Personal: Married, no children On the issues: Using his construction expertise the first-time political candidate has been physically involved in helping Sandy victims rebuild their homes.Steinhardt believes that all the red tape needs to be cut to really help people get back in their homes in Broad Channel and Breezy

Pointt, and the boardwalk needs to be rebuilt. Running independently of a major party he said he would caucus with the Reoublicans, believes that U.S. soldiers are needed to quell the Islamic State militant, saying that we must eliminate them and not allow them to fester.

He would seek to reform the Affordable Health Care Act to have big corporations who are making money on the

backs of citizens, pay their fair share to take the burden off middle class families and small business owners. Saying hospitals need to be open, Steinhardt said he would look to protect St. John’s Episcopal Hospital.

He wants the Common Core Learning Standards repealed saying that teaching to the test and tying them to federal money is unaccaptable.

Steinhardt said he would like to see the city find the money to keep the Rockaway ferry service running. Steinhardt said he would like to use dilapidated properties that would house tech schools that would create jobs for those who can’t find jobs.

ELECTION DAY IS TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4th

HERALD

Community Newspapers

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14th asseMBLY District David McDonough

INCUMBENT — Republican, Conservative, Independence Age: 77 Lives in: North Merrick Career: New York state assemblyman, 14th District.

First elected in 2002. Chairman of the Assembly Minority Task Force on Public Safety; ranking minority member on the Assembly Transportation Committee; member of the Assembly Health, Education, Veterans’ Affairs and Consumer Affairs committees. Military Service: U.S. Coast Guard and Air Force.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in finance, Columbia University Family: Married, one child Other: Past president, Nassau County Council of Chambers of Commerce; past president, Merrick Chamber of Commerce; past president, Merrick Kiwanis Club; founding member and past

board member, Community Wellness Council.

On the issues: One of McDonough’s chief concerns has been public safety. In his most recent term, he has organized seminar with Federal Bureau of Investigation officials and local superintendents to prevent violence in schools (as well as other safety programs ), maintained his relationship with

the Department of Homeland Security and called for a threat assessment of Nassau Community College.

McDonough said it’s critical that the state reduce unfunded mandates for the schools and provide greater state aid to ensure that student services are not cut. He supported the introduction of the Common Core in New York schools, but felt the implementation process was flawed and should have involved educators and parents. He sponsored a bill to temporarily suspend the Common Core and create a commission to review the effectiveness of it.

McDonough is currently opposed to hydraulic fracturing because he said he has not seen enough evidence that it is safe.

Gaspare Tumminello

CHALLENGER — Democrat, Working Families Age: 31 Lives in: Merrick Career: Nassau County Legislature’s Democratic minority, deputy chief of staff; formerly deputy commissioner of purchasing under Nassau County Executive Thomas Suozzi; former CEO of World Wide Product Access Inc. Education: Bachelor’s degree in political science and master’s degree in public administration from St. John’s University.

Family: Married On the issues: Tumminello said he is running because he is concerned that those who have been in office for a long time are losing sight of grassroots initiatives and the importance of staying connected to constituents. As a lifelong Nassau

County resident, he said he is in tune with the concerns of the constituents.

Tumminello named property taxes and cost of living issues as some of his major concerns, adding that it is often too expensive for young people to live in the district. He supports Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s 2 percent tax-levy cap, saying that it helped make Nassau a little

more affordable and allows taxpayers to prepare for increases from school distric ts.

Tumminello believes hydraulic fracturing is dangerous. He said he believes “fracking” is dangerous and would work to create a “green job revolution.” He suggested bringing solar and wind farms and new green energy industries to Long Island for the sake of the environment and economy.

Regarding education, Tumminello believes that there should have been a five-year rollout plan for the Common Core State Standards. He would like to see fewer standardized tests and more workshops to inform teachers and parents about the new standards.

This district serves all or parts of Bellmore, East Meadow, Levittown, Merrick, Wantagh and Seaford.

eLectiOn 2014

15th asseMBLY District Mario Ferrone

Michael Montesano

CHALLENGER — Democrat

INCUMBENT — Republican, Conservative, Independence, Tax Revolt

Age: 58 Lives in: Glen Head Career: Attorney; Former police officer and detective for the New York Police Department; former EMT, supervisor and investigator for the New York City Emergency Medical Service.

Education: Associate’s degree, Nassau Community College, political science; Bachelor’s degree, St. John’s University, criminal justice; CUNY Law School at Queen College graduate Family: Has two children.

His wife, Donna, also has two children.

On the issues: Montesano, the incumbent in the 15th Assembly District since 2010, is a former detective in the New York Police Department, and has lived in Glen Head for 35

years.

A member of the Assembly Ethics Committee and the Legislative Ethics Commission, Montesano said he wants to pass legislation that ensures representatives are held to the highest of standards, and that those who abuse the public’s trust are removed.

He said that he has long supported the strongest anticorruption legislation packages Albany has ever seen, and will continue to fight for its passage.

The package includes implementing term limits; disqualifying certain individuals from holding office; and replacing the Joint Commission on Public Ethics with a new Commission on Official Conduct with new appointed members with no prior affiliation.

Montesano said he wants to establish tax cuts for Long Island residents, particularly middle class residents and seniors, though he did not specificy how.

He touted his involvement in his district’s local communities, and said he intends to continue joining forces with local businesses.

Cutting wasteful government spending and eliminating unfair, job-killing taxes like the MTA payroll tax is also high on Montesano’s agenda.

Age: 21 Lives in: Plainview Education: Bachelor’s degree in economics and political science from Stony Brook University Family: Single On the issues: Ferone, 21, challenged Montesano in 2012 for the 15th Assembly Seat. He lost the race by about 9,000 votes, accumulating 41 percent of the vote.

Two years ago, Ferone’s campaign was limited, and this year, he does not appear to be campaigning at all,

and was simply put on the ballot by default.

We can only attest to his campaign agenda two years ago, when he said one of his top priorities was establishing wage equality. Ferone expressed his desire to pass

an act to ensure that men and women, regardless of race or national origin, would receive equal standards in the workplace.

He also said he’s a proponent of incentivizing businesses to increase prosperity.

Ferone said his youth can offer a fresh perspective in Albany, and is what inspired him to run for State Assembly in 2012. He added that young people feel disconnected to politics, which he wants to fix.

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4.

Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Don’t forget to vote!

This district serves parts of East Meadow, Salisbury, Westbury and the Town of Oyster Bay.

2014 VOTER'S GUIDE - HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

eLectiOn 2014

17th asseMBLY District Jonathan Clarke

Tom McKevitt

CHALLENGER — Democrat

INCUMBENT — Republican, Conservative, Independence, Tax Revolt Age: 43 Lives in: East Meadow Career: Attorney, 18 years.

Education: Bachelor’s degree Hofstra University; Juris doctor, Hofstra Law School Family: Married, two children On the issues: McKevitt is seeking his sixth term as an Assemblyman in the 17th District.

The East Meadow resident said his political experience has made him a credible voice in Albany, and put him in a position to enact change.

He spoke proudly of legislation he sponsored last year that enabled the Town

of Hempstead to establish a law to alleviate parking congestion on residential streets around the Nassau University Medical Center, which nearby residents said was a longstanding problem.

Recently, New York has seen a surplus of about $4 billion, and McKevitt said he’d like to see that money used to improve infrastructure, particular major bridges

and roads, like the Tapan Zee Bridge.

Locally, McKevitt expressed his delight that Hempstead Turnpike is finally being repaved, a road he has long complained about.

He’s criticized the State Education Department for what he believes was a rushed implementation of the Common Core State Standards. He also said school districts should not receive mandates that cost greater than $10,000 without receiving funding.

McKevitt wants to keep Long Island a prime destination for people to raise a family, for which he said smart growth is needed.

Age: 37 Lives in: Levittown Career: Attorney Education: Bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Hunter CUNY and juris doctor from Touro Law On the issues: Jonathan Clarke ran for Nassau County legislator in the 15th Legislative District in 2013, and is now vying for a seat on the state Assembly.

Clarke insists that he is not a machine politician, and, if elected, his allegiance would be to his constituents, and not his party.

To reduce taxes, Clarke said he belives in consoli-

dation of government. He said a constant overlapping of town, county and state municpalities often leads to duplication, and therefore a waste, of resources. His solution is to trim the size of government, which he said could be accomplished with a removal of career politicians.

Clarke also expressed his desire to reestablish the

Moreland Commission to take a closer look at political corruption.

In 2013, Clarke said one of his biggest campaign points was to clean up Hempstead Turnpike, which he said has become a delapitated eyesore. Repaving on Hempstead Turnpike began recently, and Clarke said he believes his campaign influenced current politicians to expidite that process.

If elected, Clarke said his lack of party affiliation would help him make uninhibited decisions that directly benefit 17th Assembly constituents.

This district serves parts of East Meadow, Levittown, Bethpage, Plainedge, Massapequa, Farmingdale and Seaford.

eLectiOn 2014

18th asseMBLY District Earlene Hooper

INCUMBENT — Democrat, Independent Age: 75 Lives in: Hempstead Profession: Former social worker; adjunct professor at Adelphi University Education: Hooper holds a Doctor of Humane Letters from Five Towns College, a bachelor’s degree from Norfolk State University and a master’s from Adelphi University.

On the issues: Hooper says her first action will be to introduce legislation that would require Nassau County to distribute state sales tax to incorporated villages in a more equitable manner. For villages like

Hempstead, the legislation could be a big economic boost, if approved.

She is in favor of transferring the Freeport Armory to a non-profit organization that

works with at-risk youth and veterans, although Freeport’s mayor would like the site to be used as the new location for the village’s Department of Public Works.

Hooper was first elected in 1988 during a special election after a career in social work. Since then, she has risen to the Assembly’s deputy speaker, making her the highest-ranking woman in the state legislature. Over the last 26 years, Hooper has been involved in key decisions across the 18th Assembly District, like building new schools in Roosevelt and upgrading the sewer system in Hempstead.

This district serves parts of Baldwin, Freeport, Garden City, Hempstead, Lakeview, Merrick, Roosevelt, Uniondale and West Hempstead.

Cornelius Todd Smith CHALLENGER: Republican, Conservative

Age: 45 Lives in: Rockville Centre Profession: Co-founder NAU Global, Inc; banker Education: Malverne High School On the issues: Smith says the focus on local communities has been lost and he is running for a seat in the Assembly to help communities in the area receive their fair share from Albany.

He would like to grow the 18th Assembly District’s small business sector to create added tax revenue and

jobs.

Other areas he plans on focusing on are schools, seniors and growing tax bills

for local residents.

Smith answered a Herald Q&A earlier in the month, but did not return calls or emails seeking to bring him in for an endorsement interview.

Smith does not have an official campaign website, but, according to his LinkedIn account, he has more than 18 years of banking and finance experience and has founded an organization dedicated to teaching children about the importance of business ownership.

Election Day is Nov. 4.

For more election coverage, visit www.liherald.com

2014 VOTER'S GUIDE - HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

eLectiOn 2014

19th asseMBLY District Gary Port

Ed Ra

CHALLENGER — Democrat

INCUMBENT — Republican, Conservative, Independence, Tax Revolt Age: 32 Lives in: Garden City South Profession: Attorney Education: Bachelor’s degree, Loyola-Maryland; Juris doctorate, St. John’s University School of Law; Masters of Law, Cardozo Family: Married On the issues: Ra is running for his third term in the state assembly, saying he has gotten a lot accomplished in his last four years, but there is still much more to do.

One of Ra’s areas of focus centers on education, saying he has major disagreements with much of what’s going on. According to Ra, local school districts are cediing to the state, typ-

ing up more of their budet and giving them less of an ability to make sure every student gets the education right for them.

The most important thing Ra has learned about being in the state assembly, he says, is doing everything he can to get out to the community to see what people’s concerns are, and how the state can help. In the past four years, Ra says he has

learned a lot about our state and what their districts are like. This has helped him understand that many of our differences throughout the state aren’t only about politiics.

Last year, Ra cosponosred a bill to direct the Port Authority to conduct a study on aircraft noise.

Cuomo ultimately vetoed the bill - but the study was ultimately mandated nonetheless.

Ra said he wants to encourage biotechnology development on Long Island to attract high paying jobs and keep young people here.

He believes that supporting business development will allow the district’s young people to find well paying jobs.

Age: 52 Lives in: West Hempstead Profession: Divorce attorney, Lt. Colonel Army Reserves Education: Bachelor’s degree, New York University; Juris doctorate, Brooklyn Law Family: Married, four children On the issues: Port has run for political office before and is well versed on the issues affecting Long Island.

Port, who owns a small law practice, says there has been a real downturn in the number of small businesses coming to the area. Port would also like to bring biotech to Nassau County and believes this can be accomplished by getting

the medical community involved in making it a reality.

He too is concerned that too many young people need to leave the county in order to pursue their careers.

Port also has a major issue with the current tax assessment system and would like to replace it all together. His approach is to review other counties’ assessment system, and use the one that works

best for the county.

Though he would likely be a member of the majority, Port said he recognizes the value of compromise and negotiating.

As a divorce attorney, Port said he spends his days getting people to compromise and feels that quality will translate well to Albany. Port says he feels comfortable reaching across the aisle to get things done that will benefit his constituents.

Port stresses to voters that just because someone has a party affiliation doesn’t mean they are a great candidate or will do well in the position. He encourages people to look at the whole person and make sure that person has a concrete vision before a vote.

This district serves all or parts of Elmont, Franklin Square, Malverne, West Hempstead and Oyster Bay.

eLectiOn 2014

20th asseMBLY District Avi Fertig

Todd Kaminsky

Republican, Conservative

Democrat, Working Families, Women’s Equality Age: 36 Live in: Long Beach Profession: Former Assistant U.S. District Attorney Education: Law degree, magna cum laude, New York University; bachelor’s degree, summa cum laude, University of Michigan Family: Married, no children On the issues: Endorsed by retiring Assemblyman Harvey Weisenberg, Kaminsky touts his record as a federal prosecuotr and community service that includes establishing free legal clinics for Hurricane Sandy victims and helping to bring tens-ofthousands of dollars in storm relief funds to local residenrs. He is a strong proponent for maintaining hospital service in Long Beach

that includes a 911-receiving emergency department.

Kaminsky said he wants to address the heroin epidemic and work to ensure that bureaiucracies such as NY Rising are doing what they should be to help residents.

To create jobs and a more attractive area for people to live in and visit, he says that an ivestment in the infrastructuee is needed, which includes looking at what needs to be done with the

Nassau Expressway and ensuring that Long Island’s aquifers are protected.

Kaminsky thinks that casinos are not the answer to economic propseirty and wants government to partner with businesses and colleges to create a more modern workforce. He believes people are fed up and disgusted with government and the “culture of corruption” that envelopes Albany. He prosecuted former State Senate Msajority Leader Pedro Espadfa Jr. and former Assemblyman Jimmy Meng. Kaminsky believes that voter apathy could be reduced by getting people involved in the process. He also wants to take that tack to address vital issues by getting every stakeholder involved to work on solving the problems.

Age: 41 Lives in: Woodmere Profession: Governmental aide Education: Brooklyn College, degree in psycholog Family: Married, four children On the issues: Fertig, who has worked for County Legislator Howard Kopel (R-Lawrence), and is now a special assistant to Town of Hempstead councilmen Tony Santino and James Darcy, said as the local “goto-guy” he understands how to resolve quality of life issues, and said he has made a career of helping community members obtain the services and programs they need. Ferig said that he has helped many Sandy victims recover more than $1.5

million in NY Rising Grants and previously denied insurance claims. Noting the overcrowding at South Nassau Cimunities Hospital after the closure of Long Beach Medical Center, he said Long Beach needs a hospital and will apply his government experience to ensuring that happens. Fertig views the state as a “regulatory nightmare” that is hindering New York’s ability to atrract business that would create jobs.

The district serves the entire Long Beach barrier, the Five Towns, Island Park, Oceanside and parts of East Rockaway.

Reducing the amount of regulations that industrices have to deal would help to lower taxes and stop strangling the state’s ability to draw in businesses. Fetig said that NY Rising was conceived with good intentions but there are serious structural issues that must be addressed. He said that thev state should provide financial incentives for muncipalities to work together such as helping villages or towns pay for expensive equipment.

Fertif said that a “sense of realism” must be applied when it comes to infrastructure, but smaller flood mitigation projects should be done with the understanding that larger ones such as the completion of the Nassau Expressway take more time.

2014 VOTER'S GUIDE - HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

eLectiOn 2014

21st asseMBLY District Adam Shapiro

Brian Curran

CHALLENGER — Democrat

INCUMBENT — Republican, Conservative, Independence Age: 46 Lives in: Lynbrook Profession: Partner, Nicolini, Paradise, Ferretti and Sabella; former mayor of Lynbrook Education: Bachelor’s degree, Wilkes University, 1990; Juris doctorate, CUNY Law School, 1994 Family: Married, four children On the issues: As a member of the ethics committee, he’s co-sponsor of legislation that would require elected officials convicted of violating the public trust to forfeit their state pension. He also said that the roll out of Common Core in New York was a failure, and advises that a full review and amendments to the curriculum should take place immediately.

More recently, he voted for package of 11 heroin-related bills that focused on increasing access to treatment, strengthening efforts by law enforcement officials, and improving public awareness of the drug and its risks.

In his first term, he voted for the tax cap, and at the

same time was able to secure the highest state school aid to Nassau County since 1996. Curran continues to fight for greater mandate relief for schools, and says that issue will continue to be his priority.

On election reform, he believes that all reforms should be considered by the New York Legislature with the ultimate goal of ensuring open and fair elections. Of paramount concern to him is voter fraud in elections which serve to invalidate election results. As such, he would support voter registration modernization along with any measures that reduces voter fraud at the ballot box including requirement of identification.

Age: 24 Lives in: East Rockaway Profession: Administrative aide at Nassau County Board of Elections Previous: Nassau County Democratic Committee, Bliss Street Strategies, LLC College at Oneonta Foundation Education: Lynbrook High School, Class of 2008; State University of New York College at Oneonta. Dr. David Brenner Scholarship Award: Given to a rising senior in the Political Science Department preparing for a career in public service, Family: Single On the issues: Campaign Finance Reform: Shapiro said it’s important to elect representatives who come from the same socioeconomic strata

as the constituents they represent; believes that establishing statewide publicly financed campaigns would incentivize candidates to meet middle class and working class citizens and develop policy solutions that would cater to their concerns.

Improving public Education including full day kindergarten and implementation of the Common Core curriculum. He does not support the redistricting proposal because “it would do nothing to change the overtly partisan nature of the entire process. If the point of the proposal is to create a commission that is a nonpartisan, why are eight of the ten members of the commission appointed by the highest ranking legislative officeholders?”

HIs campaign platform is based on three pillars: strengthening women’s rights, giving local towns and villages greater fiscal flexibility in dealing with climate change, and advocating for statewide publicly financed campaigns.

This district serves all or parts of Baldwin, East Rockaway, Franklin Square, Freeport, Hewlett, Lynbrook, Malverne, Oceanside, Rockville Centre and West Hempstead.

eLectiOn 2014

22nD asseMBLY District Gonald Moncion

Michaelle C. Solages

Republican, Conservative

Democrat, Working Families

Age: 29 Lives in: Elmont Profession: New York State Assemblywoman Education: Bachelor’s degree from Hofstra University School of Education, Health, and Human Services Family: Married On the issues: Solages says as a lifelong resident of the community she is in tune to the issues facing her Assembly district.

Those concerns include homeowner tax relief, development at Belmont Park, protection of small businesses, traffic safety, student loan debt and the need for more jobs.

She is a believer in the public education system and wants to ensure that schools are well-funded. She also

says the state’s losses of its young college graduates can be addressed by a proposed initiative that would guarantee college students a free education if they agree to remain in the state for five years after graduating.

The state needs to do more to help small businesses and should provide tax relief, she says. Small businesses create jobs and reduce the tax burden on homeowners.

Solages wants to bring an alternate method of public transportation to New York City to the district. She says the NICE buses and existing train stations are inadequate, and a new option would revitalize the community.

She opposes a soccer stadium, she says, because stadiums don’t make money.

She wants to explore other ideas for Belmont Park.

Solages says she understands the challenges and issues facing the district’s young people. She wants to see a teen center established in Valley Stream, and more opportunities created for young people.

With one term under her belt, Solages said she knows how to amplify the voice of her community in Albany.

Age: 45 Lives in: Valley Stream Profession: Guidance counselor for the New York City Department of Education Education: Bachelor’s degree, Political Science and Education from Long Island University; Master’s degrees in Guidance and Counseling Family: Married, three sons On the issues: Education, jobs and housing are priority issues for Moncion.

Building a soccer stadium for the Cosmos is one of Moncion’s goals. He says Solages doesn’t know what she wants for Belmont Park and economic development in the district should be a priority. He says a proposed neighboring hotel and walkable mall would generate

revenue and create jobs.

Moncion wants initiatives that aid existing businesses, not just new ones. He says people working multiple jobs can’t afford to pay their mortgages, and activities for their children are too expensive. He wants to find ways of reducing the financial burden on the district’s residents.

He also wants to bring more money to the district’s schools than the state has

provided in the last two years.

Moncion immigrated to the U.S. from Haiti when he was 16 and says the life he built proves he is the embodiment of the American Dream. He says he understands the needs and perspectives of the dozens of different immigrant groups that live in his district, and would serve as the best voice to speak and listen to that constituency.

His experience as a teacher and guidance counselor has taught him how to work productively with all kinds of people, he says, and that ability is necessary in order to accomplish things working with members of a different political party.

This district serves Elmont, North Valley Stream, North Woodmere, South Floral Park and Valley Stream, and parts of Franklin Square, Floral Park and Bellerose.

2014 VOTER'S GUIDE - HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

ElEction 2014 nassau county judicial candidatEs County Court

Second District Court

Vote for any three

Caryn R. Fink

Democrat, Working Families, Green Party, Independence

Age: 47 lives in: Roslyn Heights family: Husband, Keith, two daughters, Stephanie and Jacqui education: Syracuse University, bachelor’s degree, 1989; Queens College, Juris doctorate, 1992 legal career: Principal Law Clerk in the Felony Domestic Violence Part for Nassau County Court Judge Helene F. Gugerty, 2013-present; Assistant District Attorney, Rackets Bureau, Nassau County, 2006-2013; Senior Trial Attorney/Supervisor of Child Abuse Investigations, King’s County District Attorney, 1993-2001. other: Endorsements from Nassau-Suffolk Building Trades Council, District Council 9 and Laborers Local 66; Roslyn Country Club Civic Association, President 2003-2005; Long Island Labor Advisory Counsel, Former Member; Nassau County Bar Association, Member; Nassau County Women’s Bar Association, Member.

Terence P. Murphy

Steven M. Jaeger

William O’Brien

Ignatius L. Muscarella

Age: 63 lives in: Roslyn Heights family: Wife, Peggy, son, Robert education: University of Pennsylvania, bachelor’s degree, 1973; New York University, Juris doctorate, 1976 legal career: Judge, Nassau County Court, 2004-present; Judge, Nassau County District Court, 20022003; Law secretary to Judge Meryl J. Berkowitz, 2000-01; Partner, Jaeger & Block, 1984-1999; Principal law secretary to Judge Alexander Vitale, 1981-84; Attorney, Legal Aid Society of New York City, 1979-1981 other: Theodore Roosevelt American Inn of Court, Past President and Executive Committee Member; Nassau Lawyers Association, Second Vice President; Jewish Lawyers Association of Nassau County, Board of Directors; Nassau County Bar Association, Member; Nassau County Women’s Bar Association, Member; Nassau County Criminal Courts Bar Association, Member; Long Island Hispanic Bar Association, Member; Huntington’s Disease Society of America, National Board of Trustees; rated “Highly Qualified” by the Independent Judicial Election Qualification Commission and “Well Qualified” by the Nassau County Bar Association.

Age: 58 lives in: Syosset family: Wife, two grown children education: Fordham University, bachelor’s degree 1978; St. John’s University, Juris doctorate, 1981 legal career: Judge, Nassau County Court, 2009-present; Judge, Nassau County 4th District, 2000-present; Administrative Executive to the Administrative Judge, NYS Courts in Nassau County, 1997-2000; Law Clerk to Acting Supreme Court Justice/County Court Judge, 1984-1997; Attorney, Sandback & Birnbaum, Esqs., 1982-84. other: Endorsements from Fraternal Order of Court Officers, Nassau County Police Benevolent Association, Nassau County Detectives Association and Nassau County Superior Officers Association; Adjunct Professor, Hofstra University and LIU Post; NYS District Court Judges Association, Past President; Voir Dire Committee of the Unified Court System Jury Trial Project, Co-chairman; Kiwanis Club of Nassau County Courthouses, Charter Member; Syosset Senior Day Care Center, Formerly on Board of Directors; Syosset Youth Athletic Council, Formerly on Board of Directors; NYS Unified Court System Local Courts Advisory Committee, Member; National Association of Court Mangers, Member; Nassau County Supreme Court Law Secretaries Association, Member; Nassau County Bar Association, Member.

Tammy S. Robbins

Francis Ricigliano

Age: 58 lives in: North Bellmore family: Wife, Anne; three children, Cecelia, Leigh Anne, Charlie education: Bachelor of Arts, Bowdoin College, 1977; Juris Doctor, New York University, 1981 legal career: Current Court Attorney/ Referee, Supreme Court, Nassau County; Guardianship Referee of Nassau County, 2008 to 2013; Law Clerk to three Supreme Court Justices, 1988 to 2007; admitted to practice law in New York and Florida. other: Member of Nassau County Bar Association, Nassau County Women’s Bar Association and Columbian Lawyer’s Association; Island Harvest Volunteer since 1992 and board member since 1998; Founding Trustee of Nassau County Courthouse Kiwanis; Founding member of Nassau County Courthouses’ Hurricane Sandy Outreach Committee; Organizer of annual Holiday Food Drive of Nassau County Courthouses; Mentor at ABGS Middle School in Hempstead; Twice awarded the Court Officer’s Benevolent Association’s Award for Professionalism and Community Service (2008 and 2014); Past Island Harvest’s Wind Beneath Our Wings Award recipient; Past winter of the New York State Court System’s Merit Performance Award for Community Service & Humanitarian Pursuits; Endorsed by Police Benevolent Association, Detectives Association, Superior Officers Association, Court Officers Benevolent Association Civil Service Employees Association — Judiciary Local 330 and Fraternal Order of Court Officers

Democrat, Working Families, Green

Republican, Conservative, Independence

Age: 58 lives in: Seaford family: Wife, Tracy, three sons education: SUNY Old Westbury, bachelor’se degree, 1988; Touro Law Center, Juris doctorate, 1993. legal career: Judge for Veterans’ Treatment Court, Nassau County District, 2010-present; Law Clerk to County Court Judge Jerald Carter, 1998-2009; Law Clerk to County Court Judge Jack Mackston, 1997; Court Attorney, Nassau County District Court, 1996; Lead Traffic Prosecutor, Nassau County Traffic and Parking Violatons, 1994-95. other: Lt. Col. in Army Reserves JAG Corps; 25 years of service in U.S. Army, active and reserve; served in Iraq, Bosnia, Germany, Kuwait, Panama, Guatemala; Worked with Iraqi special tribunal against Saddam Hussein, 2005; Senior legal advisor to commanding general Army reserve logistics command, Orlando, Fla.; Former Assistant Coach, CYO Basketball, PAL lacrosse, soccer and Seaford Little League; Seaford American Legion, Past Commander; Nassau County Bar Association, Member.

Vote for any four

Democrat, Working Families, Green

Age: 53 lives in: Locust Valley family: Two daughters education: SUNY Albany, bachelor’s degree 1982; Hofstra University, Juris doctorate, 1988 legal career: Judge, Nassau County Court, 2005-present; Law Secretary to County Court Judge David J. Ayres, 2004-05; Law Secretary to County Court Judge Jeffrey S. Brown, 2000-04; Assistant District Attorney and Head of the Street Gang Investigation Unit, Nassau County, 1989-2000, Senior Legislative Aide, New York State Assembly Education Committee, 1982-83. other: Endorsements from Nassau County Detectives Association, Nassau County Police Benevolent Association, and Nassau County Superior Officers Association; Fidelis Juri Award from Court Officers Benevolent Association, 2014; Norman F. Lent Award from the Criminal Courts Bar Association, 2013; Woman of the Year from the Fraternal Order of Court Officers, 2008; Jewish Lawyers Association, Member; Criminal Courts Bar Association, Member; Nassau County Bar Association, Member.

Republican, Tax Revolt, Conservative

Republican/Tax Revolt, Conservative, Independence

Age: 51 lives in: Garden City education: St. John’s University, Juris doctorate, 1988 legal career: District Judge, Nassau County Court, 2002-present; Appointed Judge, Nassau County District Court, 1998-2000; Former Presiding Judge of the District’s Court “DWI Part 7”; experience with drunk driving cases, criminal and civil litigation, landlord/tenant law disputers, small claims and arraignments; Served as a legislative sssistant to State Sen. Kemp Hannon. other: Regular lecturer for the Nassau Court System and Nassau County Bar Association on drinking and driving; Special Professor of Law at St. John’s University, Hofstra University and LIU Post; New York State Bar Association, Member; Nassau County Bar Association, Member; Rated “Well Qualified” by Nassau County Bar Association; Endorsements from the Court Officers Benevolent Association, Fraternal Order of Court Officers and Nassau County Police Benevolent Association

2014 voters Guide Andrew HAckmAck Section Editor Jeffrey A. neGrin Creative Director Editorial Designer

kAren menGel Production Manager JoHn c. o'connell Executive Editor rHondA GlickmAn Vice President of Sales

2014 Voters Guide is a special supplement to the Herald Community Newspapers.

Published by Richner Communications, Inc. 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530 • (516) 569-4000

election day is tuesday, nov. 4 Polls are open 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

After the polls close visit www.liherald.com for election results

Republican, Conservative, Independence

Darlene Harris Republican, Conservative, Independence, Tax Revolt

Age: 48 lives in: Uniondale family: Husband, Elton McCabe; daughter, Juliana education: Bachelor of Arts, international politics, University of Pennsylvania, 1986; Juris doctorate, Hofstra University, 1989.

Political experience: Chairperson of the Nassau County Assessment Review Commission since 2010; Nassau County Legislator, 1996-99. legal experience: Currently an arbitrator in District Court; Administrative Law Judge for the New York City Department of Finance, 1999 to 2010; Attorney in Private Practice, 1997 to 2010; Deputy Attorney, Hempstead Town, 1995-96; Senior Court Attorney for the District Court Law Department, 1991-94. other: Member of New York State Bar Association, Nassau County Bar Association and Amistad Bar Association; Endorsed by Detectives Association, Reform Party; Member, Uniondale Kiwanis; Member, NAACP

Continued on next page

2014 VOTER'S GUIDE - HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

ElEction 2014 nassau county judicial candidatEs Second District Court

Family court

Vote for any four

C. William Gaylor

Eileen J. Goggin

Age: 51 Lives in: Lynbrook Family: Wife, Deborah Education: Bachelor’s Degree, State University of New York — Excelsior College, 1989; Master’s Degree, Master’s Degree (business administration), East Texas State University, 1991; Juris Doctor, Hofstra University, 2006 of Child Abuse Investigations, King’s County District Attorney, 1993-2001.

On the bench: Current Associate Village Judge, Lynbrook; Current Judicial Hearing Officer, Nassau County Traffic and Parking Violations Agency.

Legal experience: Attorney in Private Practice, 2011 to present; admitted to practice law in New York and North Carolina.

Other: Retired Lieutenant Colonel, United States Army, 1981 to 2004; Former Professor of Military Science at Hofstra University; Former Battalion Commander of the Long Island Reserve Officers Training Corps Program; Member of the New York State Bar Association and Nassau County Bar Association.

Age: 53 Lives in: Long Beach Family: One daughter, Natalie Education: Bachelor of Arts, Adelphi University, 1983; Juris Doctor, Brooklyn Law School, 1988.

Legal Career: Principal law clerk for Judge Tammy Robbins in Nassau County Court, 2010-present; deputy Nassau County attorney from 2003-2010 and Nassau County Animal Abuse Special Prosecutor from 2008-2010.

Other: Long Beach City Councilwoman, 2013-present; member of the Nassau County Bar Association and chair of its Animal Law Committee; and a director of the Long Beach Lawyers’ Association.

Republican, Conservative, Tax Revolt

Robert Pipia

Republican, Independence

Age: 51 Lives in: Levittown Family: Wife, Maggie McKenna Pipia Education: Bachelor of Science (Accounting) State University of New York at Albany, 1987; Juris Doctor, Hofstra University, 1992.

Legal career: Deputy town attorney, Hempstead Town, 2000 to 2011; Counsel to town board, Town of Hempstead, 1994 to 1999; Law Assistant, Hempstead Town attorney’s office, 1992-94; Worked at Constitutional Law Clinic, Hofstra University School of Law, 199192; Assistant at Nassau County District Attorney’s Office, 1990-91; Assistant at Town of Hempstead Attorney’s Office, 1990-91.

Other: Executive Assistant to the supervisor, Hempstead Town, 2011 to present; Member of the New York State Bar Association and Nassau County Bar Association; worked at South Shore Services for the Handicapped, 1988-89; Member and Guest Lecturer of the Municipal Law Committee; Board of Directors, Yours, Ours and Mine Community Center in Levittown, 2003-07; Member of Levittown Kiwanis Club; Advisory Board Member, New York State Rehabilitation Council, 1998 to 2001; Member of the Board of Directors, Hofstra Law School Alumni Association; Member of the Levittown West Forrest City Republican Club; Hempstead Town Hall Kiwanis Club, Second Vice President, Hempstead Town Hall Kiwanis Club, 1992 to 2000; Lector and Member of the Inclusion Committee of St. Frances De Chantal in Wantagh; Handles pro-bono cases representing individuals at the Social Security Administration.

Democrat, Independence

Tricia M. Ferrell Democrat, Independence, Working Families

Age: 41 Lives in: Uniondale Family: Father, George; Mother, Patricia; two brothers, George and Stephen and sister, Caroline.

Education: Bachelor of Arts, City College of New York, 1995; Juris Doctor, Benjamin Cardozo School of Law, 1998.

On the bench: Judge, Nassau County District Court, 2008-present.

Legal career: Director, Office of Compliance, Nassau County, 2006-2008; deputy village attorney, incorporated village of Hempstead, 2005-06 and Nassau County assistant district attorney, 1998-2005.

Other: Endorsed by the Nassau County Sheriff Officers Association, the Police Benevolent Association and the Nassau Women’s Democratic Caucus.

Michael A. Ciaffa

Democrat, Working Families, Green

Age: 61 Lives in: Garden City Family: Wife, Donna; son, Christopher Education: Bachelor of Arts, Colgate University, 1974; Juris Doctor, St. John’s University, 1977.

On the bench: Judge, Nassau County District Court, 2009-present.

Legal career: Attorney in the litigation department of Meyer, Suozzi, English, & Klein, P.C., 1984 to 2009 and partner in 1989; law secretary to Justice Jeffrey G. Stark in Nassau County Supreme Court, 1983 to 1984 and staff attorney for the Legal Aid Society, 1978-1984.

Other: Member, Nassau County Bar Association; Moot Court Problem author, 2008-present; founding member and pro bono counsel, Committee to Save St. Paul’s, 2005 and Pro Bono Attorney of the Year, Touro Law Center, 2003.

ElEction day is tuEsday, nov. 4 Polls are open 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

After the polls close visit www.liherald.com for election results

Vote for any two

Fred J. Hirsh

Democrat, Green, Independence, Working Families

Age: 64 Lives in: East Meadow Family: Wife, Mindy; daughter, Carly and son, Neil.

Education: Bachelor of Arts, Hamilton College, 1974; Juris Doctor, Brooklyn Law School, 1977.

On the bench: Judge, Nassau County District Court, 2009-present.

Legal career: Law secretary, Nassau County Supreme Court for Justice Leonard Austin, 200308; private practice attorney, 1978-2003.

Other: Rated well qualified by the Nassau County Bar Association; member of the Board of Directors of the Theodore Roosevelt Inns of Court, 2012-present; member of the East Meadow Kiwanis Board of Directors 20112014 and Community Service Chairperson, 2014-present; Legion of Merit award, New York District of Kiwanis; honored for outstanding leadership and community service through the East Meadow Jewish Community Relations Council and State of Israel Bonds; secretary, New York State District Court Judges Association; treasurer, Nassau County District Court Judges Association.

Family court Vote for any two

Joseph Lorintz

Democratic, Green, Working Families

Age: 56 Lives in: Jericho Family: Wife, Marissa; two daughters.

Education: The John Marshall Law School in Chicago, 1982; Queens College, 1979.

Political experience: Elected four times to Jericho School District Board of Education; candidate for Nassau County District Court in 2012, 2009 and 2007; candidate for Nassau Supreme Court in 2011; candidate for Town of Oyster Bay supervisor in 2001.

Career: Principal law clerk to Randy Sue Marber, a justice of Nassau Supreme Court, 2007-2014; private practice attorney for 24 years.

Other: Jericho School District trustee; president of Oakwood Princeton Park Civic Association; former Nassau County Women’s Bar Association Board of Directors member; and member of the New York State Bar Association, Nassau County Bar Association, Nassau County Women’s Bar Association, Jewish Lawyers Association of Nassau County and Nassau-Suffolk Trial Lawyers Association.

Rated “well qualified” by the Nassau County Bar Association’s Judiciary Committee. Rated “highly qualified” by the 10th Judicial District Independent Judicial Election Qualification Commission.

Thomas Rademaker Republican, Conservative, Tax Revolt

Age: 43 Lives in: Sea Cliff Family: Son Education: Touro Law Center, 1996; State University of New York College at Oneonta, 1993.

On the bench: First-time candidate.

Career: Principal law clerk to Philip Grella, an acting justice of Nassau Supreme Court, 20032014 (including four years in Nassau Family Court); private practice attorney.

Other: Member of the Nassau County Bar Association, Nassau Criminal Courts Bar Association and National Institute for Trial Advocacy.

Little League coach.

Helen Voutsinas

Democrat, Green, Working Families, Independence

Age: 40 Lives in: Freeport Family: Husband Education: St. John’s University School of Law, 1999; St. John’s University, 1996.

On the bench: Elected to Nassau County District Court in 2010.

Career: Nassau County District Court judge, 201114; Nassau Misdemeanor Domestic Violence Court presiding judge, 2012-14; principal law clerk to Steven Jaeger, a justice of Nassau County Court, 2005-2011; Town of North Hempstead assistant town attorney, 2002-04; private practice attorney, 2000-02.

Other: President of the Nassau County District Court Judges Association, 2006 president of the Nassau County Women’s Bar Association, founding member of the Nassau County Women’s Bar Foundation, member of the Nassau County Bar Association and Nassau Criminal Courts Bar Association.

Danielle Peterson

Republican, Conservative, Tax Revolt

Age: 39 Lives in: East Norwich Family: Husband, Antonio; son, Gregory.

Education: Hofstra University School of Law, 2000; University of Delaware, 1997.

Political experience: First-time candidate.

Career: Principal law clerk to Anthony Parga, a justice of Nassau Supreme Court, 2010-14; civil defense litigator in private practice.

Other: Member of the New York State Bar Association, Nassau County Bar Association and Armenian Bar Association. Nassau County Bar Association WE CARE Fund Advisory Board member.

2014 VOTER'S GUIDE - HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

ElEction 2014 nassau county judicial candidatEs Supreme Court Vote for any six

Sharon Gianelli Republican, Democrat

Age: 52 Lives in: Westbury Family: Married; Two children Education: Bachelor of the Arts. Syracuse University, 1982; Juris Doctor, Brooklyn School of Law, 1988 On the Bench: Judge, District Court of Nassau County, 2005-Present attorney 1990-2012; Clerk, 2013-present.

Legal Career: Assistant District Attorney, Manhattan District Attorney’s Office 1988-93; Counsel to New York State Grievance Committee 1993-99; Counsel to the Nassau County Legislature 2000-05.

Other: Nassau County Bar Association; Nassau County Criminal Courts Bar Association; Nassau County Women’s Bar Association.

A. Gail Prudenti Republican, Democrat, Independence, Conservative

Age: 61 Lives in: Saint James Family: Husband, Joseph; Stepdaughters, Stephanie and Diana; four grandchildren Education: Bachelor of Arts (sociology) State University of New York at Buffalo, 1974; Juris Doctor, Hofstra University, 1978.

On the Bench: Current Justice, New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Second Department; Justice, New York Supreme Court 10th Judicial District (first elected in 2000); Justice, Fourth District Court, Suffolk County, 1997 to 2000. attorney 1990-2012; Clerk, 2013-present.

Legal Career: Attorney in Private Practice, 1979 to 1997; Town Attorney, Town of Smithtown, 1986 to 1991; Assistant Town Attorney, Town of Smithtown, 1984 to 1986.

Other: Councilwoman, Town of Smithtown, 1992 to 1996; Past President of Smithtown Rotary Club; Former member of Smithtown Veteran’s Youth Program; Member of the Suffolk County Bar Association, New York State Bar Association, Suffolk County Women’s Bar Association, Women’s Bar Association for the State of New York, National Association of Women Judges and the Association of Supreme Court Justices of the State of New York; Taught business law at Dowling College in the late 1990’s; Assisted in the legal research at Adelphi Wniversity Paralegal program in the 1980’s; Endorsed by Suffolk County Corrections Officers.

Age: 61 Lives in: Bellport Family: Husband, Robert J. Cimino, Esq. Education: Bachelor of Arts, Marymount College of Fordham University, 1974; Bachelor of Laws, University of Aberdeen (Aberdeen, Scotland), 1978.

On the Bench: Current Chief Administrative Judge, New York State Unified Court System, Office of Court Administration; Current Justice, New York Supreme Court 10th Judicial District (first elected in 1991); Designated judge of the New York Court of Appeals for World Trade Center bombing litigation, 2011 to present; Presiding Justice, New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Second Department, 2002 to 2011; Associate Justice, New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Second Department, 2001-2; District Administrative Judge, 10th Judicial District, 1999-2001; Acting justice, New York Supreme Court 10th Judicial District, 1996 to 2000; Judge, Suffolk County Surrogate’s Court, 1995 to 2000; Justice, New York Supreme Court 10th Judicial District.

Legal Career: Attorney in Private Practice, 1982 to 1991; Assistant District Attorney, Suffolk County, 1980 to 1982; Law Clerk and Assistant, Suffolk County Surrogate’s Court, 1978-80 Other: Past lecturer at seminars sponsored by the Suffolk Academy of Law, the New York State Bar Association, the New York State Surrogate’s Association, the Office of Court Administration, the University of the State of New York at Stony Brook, Touro Law Center, the Diocese of Rockville Centre and the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn; Member of the Advisory Panel of Judges of the New York State Lawyer Assistance Trust Program; Member of the Council of Chief Judges of the National Center for State Courts; Former Chairperson, Office of Court Administration’s Mental Health Curriculum Committee for Trial Judges; Co-chair of the Chief Judge’s Task Force on Delay in the Courts; Member of the Chief Judge’s Commission on Public Access to Court Records; Former member of the Chief Administrative Judge’s Judicial Legislative Group; Member of the OCA’s Gender Bias and AntiDiscrimination Panel; Member of the Judicial Section of the American Bar Association; Former Presiding Member of the Judicial Section of the New York State Bar Association; Member of the New York State Trial Lawyers Association and the New York State Women’s Bar Association; Former Co-chair, Surrogate’s Court Committee of the Suffolk County Bar Association; Member of the Suffolk County Women’s Bar Association, which she helped found; Member of the Board of Directors of the Suffolk County Columbian Lawyers Association

David Morris

Kathy Bergmann

Sandra L. Sgroi

Democrat, Republican, Conservative, Working Families, Independence

Independence

Age: 53 Lives in: Sayville Family: Married; four Children Education: North Carolina State University, 1995; JD Queens College of the City, University of New York, 1998 On the Bench: Acting Justice, Patchogue Village Court 2009-2010 Judge, New York 5th District Court 2012-present Legal Career: Assistant Suffolk County Attorney 1998-2003; Private practice attorney 2003-09

Independence

Age: 58 Lives in: Speonk Family: Widow; one daughter Education: Bachelor of the Arts, SUNY Oswego, 1978; JD, Touro Law School, 1988.

Legal experience: Suffolk County assistant county attorney 1988-1990; private practice attorney 1990-2012; Clerk, 2013-present.

Other: Suffolk County Women’s Bar Association; Suffolk County Bar Association; New York.

Michele Woodard Working families, Independent

Age: 59 Lives in: Oyster Bay Family: Married; two children Education: BA Syracuse University, 1975; JD, Ohio State University School of Law 1976 On the Bench: Judge, New York Supreme Court Nassau County 10th District 2000-Present.

Legal Career: Legal Fellow and Staff Attorney, Queens Legal Services 1979-1982; Assistant Attorney General for the State of New York Labor Bureau1982-1995; Supervising Attorney Mirkin and Gordon 1995-2000.

Other: Past president of American Inns of Court, Nassau Chapter; Lifetime member of NAACP.

Thomas F. Whelan Democrat, Republican, Conservative, Independence

Age: 59 Lives in: Wading River Family: Married; two children Education: Bachelor of Arts, Columbia University 1977; Juris Doctor, Brooklyn Law School 1981 On the Bench: New York State Supreme Court Justice, 2000-present.

Legal Career: Justice Whelan started his career in law as a law clerk to Suffolk County Court Judge Harvey Sherman and as a law clerk to NYS Supreme Court Justice Alfred Lama. He was also the Town Attorney for the Town of Babylon and spent 9 years in private practice in a law firm that concentrated in environmental law, zoning and commercial matters.

Other: Director — Suffolk Academy of Law - The Educational Arm of the Suffolk County Bar Association; Suffolk County Bar Association; College of Business Court Judges; Association of Supreme Court Judges; Brehon Society of Suffolk County, Inc. The Historical Society of the Courts of the State of New York; New York State Academy of Trial Lawyers; New York State Trial Lawyers Association; Ancient Order of Hibernians, Div. 2, Babylon, New York; Knights of Columbus, Council No. 5817, Wading River, New York; First Lieutenant, Co. 2 — Headquarters; Emergency Medical Technician; Wading River Volunteer Fire Department, Wading River, New York.

Angelo Delligatti

Republican, Conservative, Independence

Age: 69 Lives in: Massapequa Park Family: Married 43 years, has two sons and two grandsons.

Education: Bachelor of Arts, St. Lawrence University, 1967; Juris Doctor, St. John’s University, 1970.

On the bench: Judge, County Court and Family Court, 2011-present; Fourth District Court Judge, 2009-2011.

Legal Career: Nassau County Assistant District Attorney from 1971-1977; general-practice attorney, concentrating on real estate, zoning, estate and criminal law with the firm Delligatti & Henderson in Mineola from 1977 to 1985 and Chase, Delligatti and Henderson in Glen Cove from 1991-1993.

Other: Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor, 19881991; town councilman, 1985 to 1987 and from 1993-2008 and member of the Nassau County Bar Association, former District Attorney’s Association and the Columbian Lawyers Association.

Anna Anzalone Republican, Democrat

Age: 69 Lives in: Syosset Family: Married, two children.

Education: Bachelor of Arts, Hofstra University; Juris Doctor, Touro College, 1986.

On the bench: Judge, Nassau County District Court, 2004-present; and Community and Treatment Courts, January 2006-present.

Legal career: Principal law clerk, 1999-2000; assistant attorney general, New York State Department of Law, 1998-99; hearing officer for the Nassau County Office of Labor Relations, 1996-18; deputy court attorney, Nassau County Bureau of Real Estate, 1994-96 and private practice attorney, 1988-94.

Other: Member of the Nassau County District Court Judges Association and the New York State Bar Association and Alum of the Month, Touro Law Center, August 2013.