This Patch article is sponsored by Josh Slaughter, running for New York State Assembly, District 3.
Patch: What attracted you to politics, and how did you get started?:
Josh Slaughter: I always had a love for American history from a young age and was very interested in our government and current events, which led me to pursue a degree in political science at SUNY Albany, where I interned in the New York State Assembly. This experience really motivated me to get more involved in public service and pursue being politically active.
Patch: Tell us a little bit about yourself and your campaign.
Josh Slaughter: I was very active from a young age, whether it was scouting or sports. I was an All-County wrestler for Patchogue-Medford and played sports year-round. I am also a nature lover. My father was an avid hiker and camper, and that was instilled in me at a young age. I spend a lot of free time landscaping and gardening, as well as at the beach. I love to be outside. When I came back home after college, I was fortunate enough to work with Suffolk County Legislator Kate Browning and serve as her Chief of Staff for twelve years. I then ran and lost in a close race to succeed Legislator Browning in 2017 when she was term-limited. Since 2018, I have been a proud union member and have served as the Long Island Political Director with Laborers Local 66, advocating for union construction workers and good-paying careers. My campaign is centered on putting working people back at the center of our politics and really refocusing our government on making the economy work for middle-class families.
Patch: How long have you lived in the district?:
Josh Slaughter: I've lived in this district my whole life. I graduated from Patchogue-Medford High School with honors and have been raising my family in Shirley for the last 17 years.
Patch: Tell us about your career and service:
Josh Slaughter: For 12 years, I served in the County Legislature as Kate Browning's Chief of Staff. I worked hard on improving our quality of life and cracking down on illegal, substandard housing and crime. I helped preserve over 1,000 acres of open space and secured over $200 million to construct what became our community's first-ever sewer district in Shirley/Mastic, creating hundreds of union jobs, improving water quality for the Forge River, and allowing more businesses to come invest in our community.
Now, as a labor leader, I have worked with local public schools to create the first union high school pre-apprenticeship program in New York State, guaranteeing good-paying careers for our youth with zero college debt. I helped pass Project Labor Agreement requirements for all construction on SUNY campuses in New York State, ensuring local union workers benefit from taxpayer-funded construction, and I secured OSHA-30 safety training requirements on large construction projects across Long Island's towns to create safer worksites for all workers.
Patch: What are some ways you give back to the community?:
Josh Slaughter: After Superstorm Sandy, I went door to door providing much-needed supplies and bringing information to families about services that were available to them. I support several of our local nonprofits and community groups. I am a member of the Mastic Beach Conservancy and also a member of the Mastic Peninsula Historical Society. Preserving our rich history and protecting our precious environment are very important to me. I also stay very active in helping pro-labor candidates get elected across Long Island and have volunteered countless hours knocking doors to help get people elected who will support workers and middle-class families.
Patch: If you were to be elected, what would some of your top priorities/policies/changes be?:
Josh Slaughter:
Patch: What distinguishes you from other candidates?:
Josh Slaughter: I think we have too many wealthy people in office who don't know what it is like to live paycheck to paycheck. Growing up in a union, working-class household, and having a unique background that includes experience on the government side of things as well as working in the private sector fighting for middle-class jobs and benefits give me a much different perspective than most candidates. I know what to fight for and how to get it done.
Patch: What's the biggest challenge or most difficult moment you've faced during this election?:
Josh Slaughter: Having to juggle my full-time job while also welcoming the birth of my newborn daughter in August has definitely made it a challenging year to run for office as well. Elections are tough and time-consuming. The biggest challenge has been balancing all of these responsibilities.
Patch: What's the most satisfying part about running in this election?:
Josh Slaughter: Getting my fellow neighbors active in their community and seeing the hope residents have for our community when I come to their doors. Taxpayers are fed up, and knowing that I am giving them a sense of purpose and belief that someone wants to fight to make things better for our area is probably the most satisfying part. Not everything is doom and gloom.
Patch: How can Patch readers learn more about your campaign?:
Josh Slaughter: You can visit my website, joshslaughter.com, or you can reach me directly with any questions at slaughterforny@gmail.com.
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