2016 Election Preview: 1st State Senate District

It’s that time of year again.

In addition to electing the next President of the United States, local voters will get a chance to vote for the representative of New York's 1st State Senate District this Election Day.

Here’s what you need to know before heading out to the polls this November.

Election Day: Tuesday, Nov. 8

Polling Times: Polls will open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Candidates:

• Kenneth LaValle — (R) incumbent
• Greg Fischer — (D) challenger

The pair faced off at a debate hosted by the North Fork, Riverhead and Mattituck Chambers of Commerce last week at Pace's Dockside in Mattituck.

Greg Fischer, a Democrat challenging incumbent New York State Senator Ken LaValle, also spoke about his concerns for the economy, a suggestion for a Cross Sound tunnel, and for for a "double decker" Long Island Expressway. He said he would advocate for business and was fiscally conservative.

Incumbent GOP Ken LaValle, first elected in 1976, spoke about how being a representative "is all about people. God gave me two ears and one mouth, to listen." He spoke of being proud of an alliance to put Eastern Long Island Hospital together with Stony Brook University Medical Center. LaValle also urged the group to vote for the Community Preservation Fund amendment, extending the CPF for 20 years, and to support 20 percent of those funds being used to address issues with groundwater and surface waters. LaValle said he was the author of the Farmland Preservation Act, the Pine Barrens Preservation Act and said he felt quality of life on the East End is critical. He also said he supports shared services in school districts. LaValle also discussed the real property tax cap, which he said has saved $500 million, and of the STAR rebate program.

Websites:

• Kenneth LaValle: https://www.nysenate.gov/senat...
• Greg Fischer: http://riverheaddemocrats.com/...

District: The 1st New York State Senate district covers the five East End towns and the eastern portion of Brookhaven Town.

For a map of the 1st New York State Senate District, click here.

Click here to find your polling location.