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The questions were prepared by the League of Women Voters of Nassau County and asked of all candidates for this office.
See below for questions on
Education Finance,
Redistricting
Click on a name for candidate information. See also more information about this contest.
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1. Public education is financed through property taxes and state funds. What other means of raising revenue would you support?*
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Answer from Matthew G. Pangburn:
Even though property taxes in New York State are high and hit Long Islanders the hardest, it is still the best system to fund public schools. However, reforms need to be made to the school districts. Consolidating school districts into a handful of districts rather than the 51 that we now have, would save on expenses. Investigating the crimes of Superintendents and put safe guards in place so embezzling can't happen again is a top priority.
Answer from Rob Walker:
The education of our children must continue to be a top priority in state government. As a former educator, I saw first hand the importance of providing the necessary funds to see to it that all students are reached. I support increased state funding of our schools and a regional cost factor to assist Long Island school districts. I would look to the private sector to join in a partnership to fund additional high-tech and advanced achievement programs. Working together with local and state government, and with public and private collaborative efforts, we can continue to build on our outstanding public school system.
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2. Legislative districts have been determined on a partisan basis. Would you support establishing an independent commission as a more open and ethical way to create the districts? Please explain.*
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Answer from Rob Walker:
All levels of government should strive for openness and transparency. I believe we must reform Albany and bring about real change that includes the formation of an independent commission to create legislative districts. In order to increase public awareness and voter turnout, the voting process must be made less arduous in order to determine who one's representatives are and in which legislative district one resides. As the system exists now with multi-layered local, state and congressional districts, voters have a very difficult time ascertaining who actually represents them.
Answer from Matthew G. Pangburn:
Yes, I would support the establishment of an independent commission on redistricting. Gerrymandering is a dirty tactic used by politicians to preserve their own power. Elections should be free, open and fair. Gerrymandering is like playing poker with a stacked deck.
Responses to questions asked of each candidate
are reproduced as submitted to the League.
- Original answers for a published Voters Guide
were limited are presented as submitted. Candidates have since been invited
to supply answers of any length for the Web.
The order of the candidates is random and changes daily. Candidates who did not respond are not listed on this page.
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League of Women Voters of New York Education Foundation
