Thomas McKevitt: 'There is Much More Work to Be Done'

Republican Thomas McKevitt is running for reelection to the New York State Assembly in the 17th District. The district includes East Meadow, Levittown, Plainedge, Massapequa, and Farmingdale.

During my time in the New York State Assembly, I have always strived to best represent my constituents. Several years ago, I opposed the largest spending and tax increases in New York State history, and voted against the job-killing MTA payroll tax.

Recently, I have voted in favor of reducing the middle class income tax rate to its lowest level in over 50 years, as well as repealing the MTA tax for 78 percent of businesses and for all schools. We have had on-time budgets for the past four years, and I have also helped restore $1.1 billion in school aid to offset cuts from past years.

I have sponsored legislation that has been signed into law which toughens penalties against drunk drivers, requires ignition interlock devices against those who have been convicted of driving while intoxicated, as well as “Leandra’s Law,” which provides for penalties for those who drive drunk with a child in the car. I supported the expansion of the DNA database to give law enforcement the tools to catch criminals.

Drug use has reached epidemic proportions on Long Island. Two years ago we enacted the “I-STOP” program to combat prescription drug abuse. This year we passed a package to address the increasing heroin problem.

Regardless of party, I have always stood up to what I have felt was right. In my first months in office, I voted 206 times to override vetoes of George Pataki when he shortchanged Long Island and our state. Last year I joined my colleagues in restoring $90 million in cuts to the developmentally disabled community that Governor Cuomo inexplicably made.

Providing services to my constituents has been a hallmark of my office. My staff and I try out utmost to help all who contact us for assistance. In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, I worked around the clock helping those who needed assistance in getting their power restored, or simply to be a face to provide some answers.

There is much more work to be done. We must continue to reduce unfair taxes and regulations so we can attract businesses and jobs back to our state. The Common Core curriculum was poorly implemented by Albany bureaucrats and must be reformed. We must impose term limits for legislative leaders and strip the pensions from corrupt lawmakers so we can have a transparent government that is truly accountable to the people.

I am a lifelong resident of East Meadow, and my children attend the same elementary school I did. I received my Bachelor of Arts, cum summa laude from Hofstra University, my law degree from Hofstra Law School, where I was an editor of the law review, and have practiced law for 18 years. I am a member of East Meadow Kiwanis, the East Meadow Chamber of Commerce and the Ancient Order of Hibernians in Massapequa. I am a long time sponsor of the East Meadow Little League, and have been an Attorney-Advisor to the Holy Trinity Diocesan High School Mock Trial Team for 15 years.

I am asking you to return me to the Assembly so that I can continue my work to improve our quality of life by making our area safer and more affordable to live.

Candidates for political office are encouraged to send letters to the editor, and a photo, explaining why they believe voters should elect them. Email photo and letter to heather.doyle@patch.com.