Fred Thiele: 'The East End Of Long Island Needs A Strong, Experienced, and Independent Voice In Albany'

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From Fred Thiele:

I am running for re-election to the New York Assembly because the East End of Long Island needs a strong, experienced, and independent voice in Albany.

Over the last 25 years, I have spearheaded efforts to cut taxes for people of the East End. I was one of the original sponsors of legislation creating the 2% property tax cap, and I have supported the Governor’s proposal to freeze our property taxes for the next two years. I have supported state income tax reform that has led to the lowest state income tax rates in 60 years. I sponsored legislation that has increased the exemption for estate taxes to $5 million, helping our local farmers and small businesses. More importantly, I have effectively helped our State recover from its $10 billion deficit in 2012, and put us on a path to recovery with a $4 billion surplus now in hand.

No one will fight harder to protect the environment than I. With the East End’s economy inextricably linked to the health our bays, we need to invest in infrastructure and initiatives that with help improve our surface and ground water quality. As prime sponsor of the Peconic Bay Community Preservation Fund, I am thrilled that we have generated nearly $1 billion that has been used to protect and preserve open spaces and farmland. And, I will continue to lead the charge to restore our drinking water and surfaces water quality by fighting for adequate State resources. My work has been acknowledged by several environmental groups. I recently received a 100% environmental voting record from the New York State Environmental Advocates and have been endorsed for re-election by the Sierra Club, League of Conservation Voters, and the Long Island Environmental Voters Forum.

As the only independent in the New York State Assembly, I put people over party politics. My voting record clearly demonstrates that I don’t worry about party labels and I put the needs of Long Island first. In 2014, I passed more bills than any other Long Island member of the Assembly. I have brought home state dollars for road projects such as the repaving of State Routes 27 and 24, school and Library aid, open space, and economic development projects. I helped to rejuvenate the Southampton College campus and provided funding for the East End’s first school based mental health crisis unit.

I am running for re-election to give my constituents a voice and to fight for what matters to the people of the East End. As one of the most independent and effective leaders in Albany, It would be an honor to be re-elected to the New York State Assembly.

Fred Thiele (I-Sag Harbor) represents the State Assembly First District.

His opponent is Heather Collins (R-East Quogue).