Kaminsky and McGrath Face Off Again for 9th SD

Democrat Todd Kaminsky is facing off against Republican Chris McGrath for the 9th Senate District seat for the second time this year.

Kaminsky narrowly beat out McGrath for the seat in April during a special election held to replace former senator Dean Skelos, who lost his seat after being charged with corruption. Kaminsky finished the remainder of Skelos’s term, and is now running for re-election.

The 9th Senate District includes Long Beach, Island Park, Oceanside, Rockville Centre, Baldwin, Malverne, the Five Towns, Lynbrook, East Rockaway, and parts of Valley Stream, Elmont, Franklin Square and West Hempstead.

Todd Kaminsky (Democrat)
Age: 37
Hometown: Long Beach

Chris McGrath (Republican)
Age: 57
Hometown: Hewlett

Patch: What do you think is the most important issue facing the 9th Senate District, and what will you do to combat it?

Todd Kaminsky: Not a day goes by when constituents don’t tell me that they’re fed up with corrupt public officials seemingly ignoring the high taxes and affordability concerns on Long Island. It’s our job to ensure our suburb remains a place where middle class families can live and raise a family and trust that their tax dollars are being spent appropriately. Long Islanders are overtaxed and already pay more than their fair share, and holding the line on taxes is my top priority. I voted against every tax increase that has ever crossed my desk -- more than 175 -- and stood up to my party when I voted to extend the property tax cap. I delivered a historic $4 billion middle class tax cut, secured more than a $20 million increase in funding for Southwest Nassau schools, fought to end the reign of Common Core in our schools and successfully eliminated the GEA. I have also led the way in proposing comprehensive and aggressive ethics reforms. I helped pass a ban on corrupt politicians receiving taxpayer-funded pensions and believe we need wholesale ethics reform in government. That starts with banning outside income, overhauling campaign finance laws, and empowering local district attorneys to fight corruption.

Chris McGrath: We are at a critical juncture in New York state and Long Island. Taxes, education aid, Common Core and job creation are top priorities. The direction these issues take depend on who will control the state Senate – Long Island Republicans or New York City Democrats. Long Island Republicans have pushed for, and approved, the historic state tax cap, the state’s Personal Income Tax cut, delivered record aid to Long Island schools, and have plans to create a vibrant economic climate through job training and reducing our tax burden on small businesses. However, when Democrats had control of the Senate in 2009 and 2010, they imposed the MTA Payroll Tax and the 18-a Utility Surcharge. Now, New York City Democrats are proposing to reinstate the New York City Commuter Tax, which will only place an additional burden on the backs of hardworking Long Island commuters. Therefore, in my judgment, control of the Senate is the most important issue in this contest due to the potential impact it will have on Long Islanders.

Patch: Public corruption is still an important issue, in Albany and here in Nassau County. What will you do to help the public regain trust in their elected officials?

Kaminsky: As a former federal corruption prosecutor, I’ve seen the cycle of corruption repeat itself time and time again. And unfortunately, as the recent indictments highlight, the public seems to be unfazed as politicians’ abuse of their positions for personal gain are revealed. We must implement wholesale ethics reform at all levels of government, restore the public’s confidence and ensure that every tax dollar is being spent appropriately.
First and foremost, we must immediately ban legislators from receiving outside income so that they only serve the public and not their own personal financial interests. I don’t have another job -- but if my opponent wins this race, he has refused to give up his job, which, as we’ve seen, will jeopardize his ability to put his constituents’ interests ahead of his own. I’ve passed a law stripping convicted politicians of their pensions, and called for stricter bribery laws and statewide reforms to the municipal contracting practices, and believe that we need to empower local DAs with the tools they need to go after corruption at the local level. Finally, we must close the campaign finance loopholes which allows special interests to buy our elections.

McGrath: In both my personal and professional life as a law professor, past president of the Nassau County Bar Association, and current member of the New York State Appellate Division’s Character and Fitness Committee, I have demonstrated zero tolerance for corruption of any kind. I also believe government officials in any capacity should be held to a high standard, which is why I support the elimination of pensions of those government officials who have been convicted of a felony. In addition, I support Senator Sue Serino’s legislation that gives the chance to recall elected officials who have been indicted of felony charges in relation to their office (public), or have been convicted of a misdemeanor.

Patch: What makes you the best person for this position?

Kaminsky: I was born and raised on Long Island’s South Shore, and it’s where I’ve chosen to raise my family. I’ve proven that I have the skills and passion to deliver results for South Shore residents. When I first ran for state Senate, I promised to hold the line on taxes, fund our public schools, work to rid the culture of corruption in Albany. And I’ve kept my promise.
I’ve delivered a historic middle class tax cut and a $20 million boost for South Shore public schools, voted to strip convicted politicians of their pensions and eliminated the GEA. But Albany must make the property tax cap permanent, and we must do away with the Common Core. As a former federal prosecutor, I’ve held corrupt politicians accountable for their actions and will continue to do so, and I believe that campaign finance loopholes must be sealed to protect the integrity of our elections. And we have to continue to fight against raising taxes because we already pay far too much.
The South Shore needs a senator who will work full time, fighting tax hikes and corruption, and make sure the taxpayers come first. That is my top priority -- because Long Islanders deserve someone who will put our community first.

McGrath: The fact that I am literally a first-time candidate for public office and have spent my entire career in the private sector demonstrates an independence to put the public first. I have never been beholden to anyone other than the people that I work for, and that is how I will be as a senator. In addition, I believe the public is looking for a fresh, independent-minded person to fight on behalf of the interests of Long Islanders.