NYC General Election 2020: Liz Krueger Seeks 5th Term
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UPPER EAST SIDE, NY — Voters in New York's 28th State Senate district, which includes much of the Upper East Side and parts of Midtown, Murray Hill and Gramercy, will see two names on their ballots for senator when they vote in the Nov. 3 General Election.
One of those names will be Liz Krueger, the incumbent Democrat who has represented the district since 2013. Her opponent is Republican Michael Zumbluskas, who is also running on the Independence Party line.
Zumbluskas has previously challenged Krueger in 2016 and 2014, and faced then-Assemblymember Micah Kellner in 2014, receiving about 25 percent of the vote each time.
Patch reached out to all candidates in the election to create these profiles. Krueger's responses are below, while Zumbluskas did not respond to Patch's request.
All New York voters may request a mail-in ballot due to the coronavirus pandemic. For those who want to head to the polls, click here to find your poll site. Early voting is available from Oct. 24 to Nov. 1.
Liz Krueger
Age as of Election Day (Nov. 3)
62
NYC neighborhood of residence
East Side of Manhattan
Position Sought
State Senate
Party Affiliation
Democrat
Family
Husband, John
Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
Niece by marriage works for Federal government in DC
Education
BS, Northwestern University and MA in Public Policy, U of Chicago
Occupation
State Senator for 19 years. Non-Profit Management and Policy Analyst, 19 years prior
Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office
Current - NY State Senator 28th District
Campaign website
Why are you seeking elective office?
Government must be a force for improving opportunity and resolving society's problems. I have always been a passionate believer in my ability and desire to contribute to these goals both by advising governments and participating in it.
The single most pressing issue facing our nation/state/community is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.
Climate Change. Need a near universal wake up to the risks and what must be done to slow down the damage and build in sustainability and remediation to all private and public activity.
What are your thoughts on the state and national response to the coronavirus pandemic? Do you favor such measures as limiting operation of non-essential businesses or restricting indoor/outdoor dining? And do you favor a nationwide mask mandate?
We must follow the best science and make the changes needed as we learn more. I do favor a nationwide mask mandate. All business and government operations must follow rules that ensure protection of human life, which must take priority over short ter economic outcomes.
How would you address the concerns of the Black Lives Matter movement, and what are your thoughts on the demonstrations held since the death of George Floyd and the shooting of Jacob Blake?
This country is clearly suffering old and deep wounds of racism which we must confront. The BLM movement grew out of generations of pain and inequality -- none worse than unequal treatment by too many in law enforcement and our courts. We need to learn to hear each other, then change bad law and policy, and then over time heal and forgive. This will not be a short term assignment.
What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
I respect my opponent. I believe we share a belief in the importance of good government and standing strong to uphold our principals. We differ on many of our solutions to major problems.
If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)
Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform
Strong advocate for quality public education; environmental policy; affordable housing; universal access to health care including reproductive health; progressive taxation; equal rights under our laws for all regardless of race, religion, age, gender, disability, or sexual identity.
What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
19 year record of passing important legislation and fighting against laws that are wrong. Serving as Chair of the NYS Senate Finance Committee, considered the largest and most complex legislative committee, requiring work across both houses and with the Governor's Chamber. Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the NYS Bi-Partisan Pro Choice Legislative Caucus with over 100 members.
The best advice ever shared with me was:
If you no longer recognize yourself in the mirror as the same person you were before elected to office -- it's time to get out. No one is irreplaceable in these jobs. Can't say the same about your soul.
What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I believe my 19 years of delivering has proved my worth to my district. I am proud of the amazing staff who have joined me on this journey. I am humbled by the support I get from my constituents across all party lines.
This article originally appeared on the Upper East Side Patch
