Candidate Profile: Barbara Wagner For New York Senate District 5

HUNTINGTON, NY — Election Day is right around the corner, and voters will choose between Green Party candidate Barbara Wagner, incumbent Democratic state Sen. Jim Gaughran and Republican challenger Edmund Smyth in the general election Nov. 3 for New York state Senate District 5.

The 5th district covers the North Shore of Long Island, including Glen Cove, Syosset, Jericho, Oyster Bay, Plainview, Huntington, Northport, Melville, Dix Hills and part of Commack.

In anticipation of the election, Patch asked candidates in the contested races to answer questions about their campaigns and will publish candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Here are their answers, lightly edited for clarity.

Barbara Wagner

Age as of Election Day (Nov. 3)

57

Town of residence

Huntington

Position Sought

State Senate

Party Affiliation

Green

Family

Husband Greg; Daughters Natasha and Colette

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

Yes, my husband Greg is the Director of Parks for the Town of Huntington

Education

BA from the Univ of Hartford

Occupation

Marketing Manager

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

None

Campaign website

None

Why are you seeking elective office?

"Life is short. Climate change is being denied by the federal government and I want to help change our world in the finite amount of time on the planet. We need to focus on income inequality. We need on green energy. We need to work on a sustainable local economy, focusing on small businesses, diversity, inclusion, clean water and a plan for cleaning up the Long Island Sound."

The single most pressing issue facing our nation/state/community is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

"Climate change. I want to focus on single-use plastics and a sustainable environment, clean water, green energy."

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

"I am not part of the two big bullies in the room. Why vote for the same old system? We need democracy and supporting the Green party ensures the Green party stays on the ballot."

The best advice ever shared with me was:

"Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you." - Ruth Bader Ginsburg

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

"I'm a mom and a daughter and sister and daughter-in-law and a sister-in-law and an aunt and a wife - all these are meaningful and leads me to want to make this world a little bit better. The Green party is the future, vote for inclusion and a new approach to a failed system."