Anthony Palumbo: 'I Am Working To Clean Up The Corruption That Has Run Rampant In Albany For Too Long'

Republican Anthony Palumbo is running for New York State Assembly in the Second Assembly District. His opponent is Democrat Thomas Schiliro.

The Second Assembly District includes the Town of Southold, the Town of Riverhead and part of the Town of Brookhaven. View a map of Assembly District 2 here.

Submitted by Anthony Palumbo:

Last spring, as a husband and father of two young children, I decided to throw my proverbial hat in the ring and run for State Office. I had never been involved with politics and had never run for office, but wanted to make a difference in the World by fighting to make Long Island affordable again. I introduced myself to the party leadership and was lucky enough to win in November. Now I am up for re-election and am asked to pitch why I should be re-elected.

My first legislative session was an extremely successful one for the residents of the 2nd Assembly District. I was able to secure over $13 million in additional school aid from the previous year which will both help our children be better prepared for tomorrow and help to alleviate the crippling property tax burden that comes with living in Suffolk County. As a father of two young children the increase in school aid was especially important to me, as was leading the charge against the flawed implementation of the Common Core Standards. I sponsored legislation that would put a moratorium on Common Core and let our teachers get back to doing what they do best--teaching. My advocacy of our students and teachers has earned me the endorsement of the State Teacher’s Union (NYSUT), of which I am very proud.

I also wrote and sponsored legislation, The Affordable NY Act, which would save the average Suffolk County resident over $2,500 annually and give them a raise directly into their paycheck by cutting the middle class tax rate and doubling the STAR Property Tax exemption. This legislation would help keep families together on Long Island by making the North Fork a more affordable place to live, work and raise a family.

I was also able to sponsor and pass legislation that was signed into law by the Governor, an extremely rare feat for a freshman legislator, which saves first time home buyers up to $4,400 at the time of closing. This law will make the dream of home ownership a more reachable goal for our hardworking middle class families.

As an East End resident, I also understand the importance of our environment and beautiful open space. I have worked with Senator LaValle on comprehensive legislation to improve the water quality across the district. On this note, I was also able to help secure a $5 million dollar grant for the Town of Riverhead to revamp the sewer infrastructure and improve the water quality throughout Suffolk County.

Finally, as a former prosecutor I am working to clean up the corruption that has run rampant in Albany for too long. Corruption equals waste. Greedy, self-serving politicians have been costing taxpayers money and it needs to be dealt with strongly. For this reason, I have sponsored legislation that would strip the pensions and benefits from elected officials who betray the public trust.

I have been endorsed by every Suffolk County Police organization due to my commitment to keep our streets safe. Working as a Suffolk County Assistant District Attorney for 6 years, I have intimate knowledge of what needs to be done to keep our families safe.

I have also received the endorsement of the New York State Business Council for my steadfast commitment to promoting job growth and strengthening our small businesses. My commitment to our middle class workforce was also recognized by the Association of Municipal Employees (AME) and the Civil Service Employees Union who have endorsed me based on my advocacy of the hard-working men and women who truly keep the state running on a day to day basis.

In just one short year since I was chosen to represent the 2nd Assembly District we have seen dramatic improvement in our tax climate, our educational system and the quality of life on Long Island. The work is not done and there is still much more to accomplish, with your support I hope to continue to fight on behalf of the residents of the 2nd Assembly District and make sure that Long Island is the best place for my family and yours.

I’m your Assemblyman, Anthony Palumbo and I am asking for your support on Nov. 4th.

Candidates for political office are encouraged to send letters to the editor, and a photo, explaining why they believe voters should elect them. Email photo and letter to priscila.korb@patch.com