Nassau County Legislature Candidates: Meet Jonathan Gunther

LEVITTOWN, NY — Voters in Nassau County's 15th District will head to the polls Nov. 5 to cast their ballots for Legislature in a three-way race where a Democrat and Libertarian are each trying to unseat the incumbent Republican.

The district — which includes Levittown, Salisbury and parts of East Meadow, Bethpage, Wantagh and Seaford — is represented by John Ferretti Jr., who seeks a second term after first being elected in 2017. Frances Avnet is challenging Ferretti on the Democratic ticket and Jonathan Gunther is mounting a challenge as a Libertarian.

Patch reached out to all three candidates via email and/or Facebook to hear where they stand on important issues affecting the community.

Here are the responses for those who participated. The answers have been lightly edited for clarity.

Jonathan Gunther

• Age (as of Sept. 1): 30
• Town of residence: Levittown
• Position sought: Nassau County Legislature, District 15
• Party affiliation: Libertarian
• Family: I have nine siblings. My father, an ESU officer who passed in 2000, had nine kids. I am the middle of five boys from my mother's side, who is a retired NYPD detective. The ages range from 22-41. We are all very close and have a bond that can not be broken.
• Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? No.
• Education: Associate's degree.
• Occupation: FedEx operations admin.
• Previous or current elected or appointed office: Never held office, this is my first time running.
• Campaign Website: JonathanGunther.com

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Taxes is the most important issue. People are leaving Nassau County and can't afford to live here. I plan to cut government spending consistently with cutting taxes. I want to privatize county roads and infrastructure to also reduce the tax burden on people. My ultimate goal is to get rid of property tax in Nassau County, we can transition to that as we cut property taxes more and more.

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

Yes. Overall I want government out of your life in all aspects, whether it is socially or economically, I want government to leave you alone. My opponents both want to involve in your life and make your life decisions for you. One example if this is that my Republican opponent and sitting legislator voted earlier this year to opt out of the state decision to decriminalize marijuana. This is something I want to reverse.

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

My opponent has not defended people's liberties. He as a Republican has voted with the Democrats on issues that involve more government in citizen life. For example, he has voted for opting out of marijuana decriminalization. He votes to spend money over and over with the Democrats.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

-I want to cut taxes and ultimately get rid of taxes like property tax.

-Privatize infrastructure.

-Legalize marijuana.

-Reduce government wasteful spending.

-Protect property rights.

-Overall have government leave you alone economically and socially.

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

I have accomplished what not many have in life. Moving out at the age of 17 with no plan but determined to be independent. I was determined not to have to move back into my parents house and found a job and a place to live. Eventually reaching my goal of finishing school and now running for office.

This shows that anything I put my mind to and anything I am determined to do I get done. This reflects being a legislator because I am determined to make change and I will be consistent with my views, I will always fight for the people of Nassau County.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

To keep striving for my goals even if there are hardships to get there because in the end it always turns out the way you want it to.

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

I want voters to know that I want government to leave you alone so you can have the maximum freedom to pursue happiness in your own life. Happiness is the goal of life and government is an obstacle that prevents you from reaching that goal. Our founding documents allows us to have life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.