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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 Charles D. Lavine:
In 1988, the federal government stopped funding public education, forcing state and local taxpayers to make up for the 12% federal contribution. The "No Child Left Behind" law and rigid testing mandates from the State Education Department and other unfunded mandates cost each district millions of dollars. Restoration of a federal contribution, ending outrageously expensive and unnecessary testing will add revenue while reducing the expense of education. This year's increased state contribution helped keep property taxes in check.
Answer from Steve J. Gonzalez:
Raising more revenue to finance Long Island's public education is not the answer to ensure our children's education. Long Island school districts do not receive comparable state aid from Albany in return for the school property taxes we pay every year. I pledge to encourage the L.I. Assembly delegation to lobby the next governor to recognize the needs of L.I. schools as we grow to a more diverse population.
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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 Charles D. Lavine:
I am a co-sponsor of a bill (A6287) to establish independent redistricting commissions to fairly draw legislative districts. This bill prohibits the use of partisan considerations (party enrollment) in drawing districts and requires that redistricting commissioners be truly independent and representative of the state geographically, racially, by gender and politically. In recent elections, 25% of incumbents ran unopposed and many challengers did not even raise money to campaign. Fair redistricting will make for a better playing field and the public will realize the benefit.
Answer from Steve J. Gonzalez:
The district lines defining the 13th Assembly District are a prime example why independent commissions should be established to determine legislative districts. My district is gerrymandered like a horseshoe from Roslyn to the tip of Farmingdale. If I'm elected, I would encourage the establishment of a commission equally represented by individuals of diverse political persuasions. This is one way to ensure that incumbent legislators are made accountable to their constituents.
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
