Candidate Profile: Steve Stern For New York Assembly District 10
MELVILLE, NY — Election Day is right around the corner, and voters will choose between incumbent Democratic state Assemblyman Steve Stern and Republican challenger Jamie Silvestri in the general election Nov. 3.
The 10th district covers Huntington, South Huntington, Huntington Station, Huntington Bay, Cold Spring Harbor, Lloyd Harbor, Dix Hills, West Hills, Melville, and part of East Farmingdale.
In anticipation of the election, Patch asked candidates in the contested races to answer questions about their campaigns and will publish candidate profiles as election day draws near. Here are their answers, lightly edited for clarity.
Steve Stern
Age as of Election Day (Nov. 3)
52
Town of residence
Huntington
Position Sought
State Assembly
Party Affiliation
Democrat
Family
Wife Meredith and two sons
Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
No
Education
B.A. Tulane University
J.D. Western Michigan University
Occupation
Attorney with over 25 years of experience
Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office
6 term Suffolk County Legislator, 16th Legislative District (1/1/2006-12/31/2017)
2 term New York State Assemblyman, 10th Assembly District (4/30/2018-present)
Campaign website
Why are you seeking elective office?
"I am seeking re-election to build on a record of accomplishment in delivering real results for our community, particularly during these challenging times."
The single most pressing issue facing our nation/state/community is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.
"The single most pressing issue facing our community right now is the COVID-19 pandemic, which has dramatically impacted all of us. These last few months have been frightening, traumatic and difficult as so many have experienced unimaginable loss, illness, unemployment, instability for our older relatives and children and uncertainty that keeps us awake at night. During this time, my staff and I have been working tirelessly, 7 days a week to help thousands of our neighbors with unemployment claims, help feeding their families and support of our local small businesses, which are the heart of our community. I have helped pass several critical legislative initiatives to ease the financial burdens resulting from the pandemic and, going forward, I will continue to work hard to provide peace of mind to our neighbors and ensure that our communities and businesses come back better than ever in the face of this unprecedented challenge."
What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
"I am proud of my record of service to our community during my six terms in the Suffolk County Legislature and through my first full term in the New York State Assembly. I have a proven track record of accomplishment, including passing six bills during my first six weeks in the Assembly and several historic initiatives in the Legislature that were the very first of their kind in NY state and in the nation. I have always worked cooperatively with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to deliver real results that have made my neighbors proud."
Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.
"Protecting our tax dollars, protecting our waterways, and protecting the safety of our suburban streets and our quality of life."
What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
"During my tenure in the Assembly, I have worked hard to:
Protect Long Island homeowners by making the New York State property tax cap permanent.
Ensure that our local schools receive critically-needed funding by bringing home our fair share.
Preserve our environment by securing funds to help Long Island communities protect our precious drinking water.
Pass legislative initiatives that keep guns out of the wrong hands, secure our schools and keep our children and teachers safe.
Provide vital resources for our veterans, seniors and our loved ones with special needs.
Secure funding for local law enforcement and community groups to ensure safe streets and combat the deadly opioid epidemic."
The best advice ever shared with me was:
"Knock on as many doors as possible, especially during non-election years, because that's where the best ideas come from and how you learn about the people you are privileged to represent."
What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
"My neighbors know I am exactly the kind of representative to best serve our community and reflect our suburban values, particularly during these challenging times."
This article originally appeared on the Huntington Patch
