Suffolk County Elections 2021: Dawn Sharrock For Legislature

SELDEN, NY — Election Day is one week away, and Patch is giving you a look at the candidates on the Nov. 2 ballot.

In the 4th Legislative District race, Democratic challenger Dawn Sharrock is looking to unseat Republican incumbent Legis. Nick Caracappa.

Sharrock discusses why she should be elected and answers Patch's Q&As below.

Age (as of Election Day)

46

Position Sought

County Legislator LD4

Party Affiliation

Democratic

Family

Ron Sharrock, husband, 47
Ella Sharrock, 16
Lily Sharrock, 14

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

High school

Occupation

None

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Middle Country School board 2nd VP for six years
Nassau-Suffolk School Board Association executive board for two years
Director on Refit organization executive board for two years

Campaign website

Www.Sharrockforsuffolk.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

To continue my advocacy for my community on a larger scale by representing and being the voice for more people.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Sewers. Securing funding is essential. This is a critical step in protecting our drinking water as well.

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

I am someone who will bring our community together and be the voice for all of LD4.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)?

Failed to be the voice for all constituents.

How do you think local officials performed in responding to the coronavirus? What if anything would you have done differently?

I think the majority of local officials have handled the response to the coronavirus well. There are some who continue to support the division and offer no other solution. I would listen to all however I would work to move people to the middle so that we could get out of the pandemic quicker and safer than we have.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

I am a supporter of union jobs (husband is a steamfitter) and I would grow the apprenticeship program. Access to comprehensive mental health care. Protecting our environment/waterways/drinking water.

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

I have chaired the Middle Country Central School District legislative committee for eight years and in that time I have built relationships and have worked collaboratively and effectively with elected officials across the aisle. I was instrumental in having legislation passed for swing arm cameras installed on public school buses as well as having a polling site relocated from one of our elementary schools for safety and security reasons.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

It’s never about I…

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I have lived in Selden for 19 years and truly love this community. I have volunteered many years giving back and am ready to take that to the next level by becoming a county legislator. My years on the school board have prepared me for this seat to be an effective leader who will be the voice for all in LD4.