Candidate Profile: Jamie Silvestri For NY Assembly District 10

MELVILLE, NY — Election Day is right around the corner, and voters will choose between Republican challenger Jamie Silvestri and incumbent Democratic state Assemblyman Steve Stern in the general election Nov. 3 for New York state Assembly District 10.

The 10th district covers Huntington, South Huntington, Huntington Station, Huntington Bay, Cold Spring Harbor, Lloyd Harbor, Dix Hills, West Hills, Melville, and part of East Farmingdale.

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.

Jamie Silvestri

Age as of Election Day (Nov. 3)

30

Town of residence

Melville

Position Sought

State Assembly

Party Affiliation

Republican

Family

Karen, 57: Mother
Al, 85; and Bea, 81: Grandparents

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

St. Anthony's High School
Farmingdale State College, BS in Professional Communications

Occupation

Since the age of 16, I have worked for small businesses throughout the Town of Huntington. Currently, I am an Office Manager for a Financial Advisor and have been here for seven years.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

N/A

Campaign website

SilvestriforNY.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

"To make New York a safer place to live while encouraging business growth, and stymieing the exodus of New Yorkers to other states."

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

"Public Safety. Criminal Bail Reform and anti-Law Enforcement sentiments have compromised the safety of our communities and those serving it. Violent and sexual predators should not have the ability to receive cashless bail or the ability to access a witness or victim's information, as they now can due to Discovery Reform. I support our Law Enforcement and will do everything I can to ensure the safety of victims who should not be punished for coming forward, as they currently are under these new reforms."

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

"Albany needs a fresh new perspective. We need to rebuild our economy in ways that benefit our youth, to incentivize setting their roots down here on Long Island. New York taxes and fees are at an all time high, and I will fight to reduce spending and reduce the taxpayers' financial burden to Government while still providing essential services. I believe in ensuring emergency preparedness measures are in place, and that standing behind our Law Enforcement Officials who put their lives on the line to ensure our safety is paramount."

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

"By supporting Criminal Bail Reform which puts victims and the community at a higher risk, while expeditiously supporting legislation, such as the repeal of 50-a that exposes our law enforcement, fire departments, and first responder communities."

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

"I will work to streamline the Sex Offender/Child Sex Offender registry and making it easier to use for the community. These crimes are especially hideous and must be effectively confronted.
The crime of Human Trafficking has also stood out to me as something we can all help to spot and report to make our community and humanity safer. As of September 22, indictments for Human Trafficking is up 900 percent in Suffolk County. Criminal Bail Reform, as passed, and disempowering our Law Enforcement agencies creates an atmosphere where this modern day slavery can thrive.

"As a hiker and snowboarder, preserving our unique environment on Long Island and in New York state is essential. As a sole source aquifer, we need to protect our drinking water and waterways for generations to come."

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

"My career has always entailed listening and understanding the needs of clients to bring them positive results. This is exactly what is needed for this position: understanding the needs of constituents and working to bring about the results they are asking for.

"While in college, I created an annual fundraiser that has been going strong since 2012 and always participated in volunteer and philanthropic work. These were team efforts where our goal was to help the community and clean up our beaches/environment. I'm proud of the work done over the years to help fellow Long Islanders and look forward to carrying this on."

The best advice ever shared with me was:

"Nothing great is ever achieved without much enduring."

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

"Over the years, I have learned that doing the right thing isn't always an easy thing. The challenges New York faces aren't easy, but we must do right by our fellow residents. We have to work together to be there for one another, and while we all have our differences, we want to see safe neighborhoods, thriving businesses, lower taxes, and for our families to have the opportunity to grow and live on our beautiful island for generations to come."