Campaign Profile: Anthony Palumbo For New York State Senate District 1

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, and voters will choose between incumbent Republican incumbent Anthony Palumbo and E. Christopher Murray, a Democrat, in the race for the New York State Senate District 1 seat.

Senate District 1 covers the East End towns of East Hampton, Southold, Shelter Island, Southampton, and Riverhead as well as some of eastern Brookhaven Town.

In anticipation of the election, Patch asked candidates in the contested races to answer questions about their campaigns.

Anthony Palumbo

Name

Anthony H. Palumbo

Campaign website

palumboforsenate.com

City or town of residence

New Suffolk, Southold

Office sought

Re-election to State Senate, District 1

Party affiliation

Republican/Conservative

Education

JD St. Johns Law School/BA Lafayette College

Occupation

New York State Senator

Family

Wife Tracy, children Ryan and Madeline

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Age

56

Previous public office, appointive or elective:

State Assembly (2013-2020) Assistant Suffolk County District Attorney and Trial Supervisor for the East End.

Why are you seeking this office?

I am running for re-election for the New York State Senate to continue my efforts to make Long Island safer and more affordable and bring needed balance back to the State Capitol.

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

My opponent supports policies to increase costs and that would make our communities less affordable. My focus is on delivering for the needs of the men and women in the 1st District on a host of policies from the environment and clean water, to housing, public safety and lower taxes.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

Since first being elected to the New York State Senate I have been focused on making our communities safer, protecting our drinking water and making Suffolk County more affordable for seniors and families. I will continue to deliver on all these issues as State Senator.

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

As Senator, I have had over 80 of my bills passed in the State Senate, including the Community Housing Fund to make owning a home more affordable on the East End, legislation to give the Montaukett Nation State recognition, and to help convert the Riverhead Armory into a YMCA. I have also authored and helped pass several bills that banned horse slaughter for human consumption, provided veterans free access to SUNY and CUNY athletic facilities and first of its kind legislation to help families in visitation battles under guardianship.

What problems facing your district would you look to solve if you are elected/re-elected?

State government must get a handle on its energy policies that have resulted in New Yorkers paying energy rates 70 percent above the national average. New York must expand its approach to producing power as it works to convert to clean energy. We must also remain vigilant when it comes to protecting our drinking water and the environment. This year’s budget provided hundreds of millions of dollars for environmental protection and clean water projects and it is critical to ensure that this funding reaches Long Island. I will also continue to fight to ensure Long Island receives its fair share of state education dollars. This provides all our students with the resources they need to succeed, while keeping property taxes in check. Lastly, state government must tighten its belt and provide more relief to struggling taxpayers. New Yorkers are the highest taxed residents in the nation and the amount of taxes, fees and fares the state places on Long Island residents is unsustainable.

What would you do to help small businesses struggling with inflation and the cost of goods needed to manufacture their products?

I am honored to have earned the endorsements of both the National Federation of Independent Business and the New York Business Council for my efforts and support of the region’s small businesses. As senator, my focus is on making the state a more affordable place to own and operate a small business, improve the economic climate and reduce burdensome regulations on our mom and pop shops.

Water quality is critical to the region. What plans do you have to help improve water quality and keep it safe for generations?

From passing the Clean Water Infrastructure Act, increasing funding for the Environmental Protection Fund to $425 million in this year’s State Budget, to allowing Community Preservation Funds to be used for clean water initiatives and sponsoring the Suffolk County Water Quality Restoration Fund, I have been on the front line in the fight to protect Long Island’s sole source aquifer, the region’s bodies of water, and to ensure that residents have access to safe and reliable drinking water.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

It has been an honor and privilege representing the men and women of the 1^st Senate District since 2021. With your continued support, I look forward to serving the diverse and great communities that make up the District for years to come.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Listen. As an elected official it is important to listen to the concerns of the residents you represent, hear every side of an issue and talk to all stakeholders before rushing to judgement on any subject. Respectful dialogue makes for better government.