Meet The Candidates: Melissa Miller For Assembly

LONG BEACH, NY — Nov. 3 is Election Day in the United States. And while the presidential race is dominating the headlines, there are many down-ballot races that are also incredibly important. These races will shape the makeup of Congress, as well as New York's Senate and Assembly.

Republican Melissa "Missy" Miller is being challenged by Gregory Marks for her seat representing the 20th Assembly District.

The 20th Assembly District includes Atlantic Beach, Long Beach, Lido Beach, Point Lookout, Island Park, Oceanside, Lawrence, Woodmere, Cedarhurst, Hewlett and Inwood.

Miller, 56, has represented the district since 2016. Before she ran for office, she was a stay-at-home mom and advocate for people with disabilities.

She lives in Atlantic Beach with her husband, Brandon. They have three children: Katy, Oliver and Melanie, who is deceased.

Patch reached out to the candidates to get more information about them. Here's what McDonough said:

Why are you seeking elective office?

I enjoy helping others. I was always advocating to improve lives and this allows me to do that. I also feel that our legislature needs a voice to represent the most vulnerable people in our state. I care deeply about our communities and want to protect our quality of life.

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

The single most pressing issue facing our nation/state/community is the divisiveness and lack of respect for one another. I will continue to spread the message that we must respect each other and work together to grow and change. Meaningful change cannot be done with people on different sides. I work very well with people and groups from all parties, from all areas because I listen in order to learn. I will listen to my constituents and fight for them to be heard.

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

I live a life that has been full of challenges and tragedy (as well as joy) and I have learned from this. I have had life experiences in many areas that have given me the empathy and knowledge to help others. I relate well to people and I am responsive because I care. I know what it is like to have to ask others for help, which is why it is so important for me to be there for people who need help.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

I am an advocate for the most vulnerable people in our state: our loved ones with disabilities, health issues and our seniors and children. I want to protect our quality of life, enabling us to feel safe and be able to afford living in New York. I will continue to fight tax increases that are forcing many out of state. I will continue to fight for the rights of the disabled. I will continue to fight for our children's education and the fair distribution of funding for our school districts. I will continue to support our law enforcement and first responders.

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

I am a special-needs mom. Ask any special-needs mom and they will tell you, we can handle just about anything. I lost my oldest child to a rare degenerative disease when she was seven years old, after several years of relentless regression and suffering. My son Oliver had a stroke and has very complex medical and developmental issues. I have had to figure out how to get things done, in spite of instability and chaos. I cared for my children while still running a household, volunteering at numerous schools and hospitals through the years. I have and will continue to advocate for Oliver as he gets older and weaker and more frail. I am a believer that I am not in control of the big picture, I am very much in control of how I respond to the big picture and I have chosen to respond with positivity and a determination to help others. I have handled the last four years of this job very well, despite my son's illness. I am used to multitasking and I am good at it.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Treat others the way you would want to be treated and the way you want those you love to be treated.

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

I am a regular person and I have not and will not let politics change me. I try very hard to be cognizant that I represent all in my community and pledge to always be fair and open minded.