News

Philip Ramos to represent New York's 6th Assembly District
October 27, 2020
Newsday

Philip R. Ramos epitomizes the notion of serving one’s community, first as a 20-year Suffolk County police officer and now seeking his 10th Assembly term. The Brentwood Democrat pushed for the Dream Act to give college students brought here illegally as children access to financial aid and scholarships, and is sponsoring a bill creating early-retirement incentives for teachers so districts can hire more teachers at lower salaries. He supports needed policing reforms like use-of-force standards and universal body cameras, and wants to tackle gang issues with a gang court modeled on successful drug courts and apprenticeships with local unions.read more

Ann Brancato to represent New York's 9th Assembly District
October 27, 2020
Newsday

This unusually drawn district, one of the most gerrymandered on Long Island, has drawn two sharply contrasted candidates for the seat being vacated by Michael LiPetri.

Ann M. Brancato, 78, a Democrat from Massapequa, has work experience in health care, human services, social work, job development and professional recruitment. She understands the value of preparation, and has done her homework on the issues that would confront an Assembly member.read more

Steve Stern to represent New York's 10th Assembly District
October 27, 2020
Newsday

Steve Stern is a lawmaker with ideas that can make a difference. The Dix Hills Democrat, who has served in Albany since 2018, is keenly aware of the problems of small businesses in his districts and the pain of those who are short on food. Stern, who turns 51 this week, understands the urgency of protecting our water quality. An elder care lawyer, Stern seeks to eliminate a new Medicaid home-care benefit with out-of-control costs to make sure there are no cuts in state education funding.read more

Kimberly Jean-Pierre to represent New York's 11th Assembly District
October 27, 2020
Newsday

After three terms in Albany, Democrat Kimberly Jean-Pierre, 36, of Wheatley Heights, has made the case for a fourth term by her record of providing reliable constituent services while delivering on her legislative agenda. She has sponsored laws requiring boating safety instruction, expanding insurance coverage of mammograms for women age 35 to 39 when medically necessary, and revoking the licenses of real estate brokers who discriminate.read more

John Brooks to Represent New York State's 8th Senate District
October 22, 2020
Newsday

State Sen. John E. Brooks will stand alone on the ballot this fall, after the Republican Party’s two possible candidates were disqualified because of successful legal challenges.

But Brooks, now completing his second term in office in the 8th Senate District, commendably stands out for other reasons. Just before the pandemic took hold, Brooks had introduced a bill to cap the amount of a school district’s spending that comes from residential property taxes at 50%, in an innovative attempt to provide tax relief particularly for communities with a small commercial property tax base.

The Seaford Democrat says his plans were gaining traction, and he hopes to resume discussions, and find ways for businesses to contribute more to education funding.read more

Mike Siderakis to Represent New York's 2nd Senate District
October 21, 2020
Newsday

Neither Mike Siderakis nor Mario R. Mattera has held elected office, but each knows his way around the halls of power. That experience reflects most positively on Siderakis, in the race to replace former Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan, at one time the most powerful Republican in New York.
Siderakis, 51, a Democrat from Nesconset, served as a state trooper for 28 years, including a two-year stint as legislative director for the troopers’ benevolent association. That experience meant he worked in Albany with lawmakers. Siderakis thoroughly understands the issues, and would be ready from the start to capably represent the district.read more