Meet The Candidates Night

Meet The Candidates Night

The South Merrick Community Civic Association hosted their annual Meet the Candidates Night on Thursday October 27, 2022 at the Merrick Golf Clubhouse. Both democrat and republican candidates vying to serve our area in the NYS Assembly, NYS Senate and US Congress were invited to speak in order to convince us why they deserve our vote.

Each candidate was allowed to speak for a timed 8 minutes without interruption followed by a few minutes of Q&A. The incumbent had the opportunity to choose to speak first or last. If there were no incumbent, the winner of a coin flip would determine the order.

The evening began with candidates running for the 14th Assembly District. Incumbent Dave McDonough (R) offered for his opponent Dustin Ginsberg (D) to address the crowd of residents first. Ginsberg, who grew up in Merrick, said that he loves this community. When he was asked about crime and bail reform Ginsberg said, “I do not support Brooks opinion on bail reform. There should be more police and discretion belongs to the judges.”

Dustin Ginsberg (D)

Dave McDonough (R), current Assemblyman for the 14th District, assumed office in 2013 and is running for re-election. He told the community members that he and his office staff follow the modo of “Help someone today.” McDonough said that his office had over 500 calls a day from people that needed help getting Covid unemployment benefits. He also said that he is “always willing to work across party lines to get done what is best for his constituents.”

Dave McDonough (R)

Next up was Senator John Books (D), incumbent for the 5th Senatorial District. He attended the meeting via zoom, as a safe measure, since one of his staff members recently came down with Covid. There were several questions for Brooks regarding catch and release bail reform policies. Brooks said, “I did not support bail reform but voted for it because it was bundled with important state aid that was needed.I supports the police department and believes in public safety.”

John Brooks (D)

There were several questions from residents regarding specific reported instances of car theft, homelessness and a knife threat on the LIRR. One resident noted that the catch and release bail reform policy prevents people who may have mental illness and addiction from ever seeing a judge and getting the help that they need. And, without probation, there is no way to monitor offenders.

Steve Rhoads (R), the current Nassau County Legislator District 19, is running against Brooks for the 5th Senatorial District seat. Roads said, “I am running for State Senate to cut taxes on gas and commuting and to repeal pro-criminal policies like cashless bail that frees killers and dangerous thugs from jail. Public safety is on the ballot this Election Day.”

Steve Rhoads (R)

Anthony D’Esposito (R) and Laura Gillen (D) are competing for the 4th Congressional District seat. D’Esposito said, “I would like the handcuffs taken off the police and put them back on the criminals.” Crime, open boarders and the cost of living are of top priority.

Anthony D’Esposito (R)

Although Laura Gillen was planning on participating, she was not able to arrive in time to due to the heavy schedule candidates have prior to Election Day.

Laura Gillen (D)