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The questions were prepared by the League of Women Voters of Nassau County and asked of all candidates for this office.
See below for questions on
Education Finance,
Redistricting
Click on a name for candidate information. See also more information about this contest.
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1. Public education is financed through property taxes and state funds. What other means of raising revenue would you support?*
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Answer from Odelia Goldberg:
Long Island's public schools have a nationally renowned reputation. But, the quality education once found on Long Island is more and more at risk because of Albany's inattention to our local property tax burdens. Proper funding for our schools can be achieved by de-politicizing the school funding formula. In creating a transparent funding mechanism and ensuring fiscal responsibility, I will fight to make the right choice for Long Island's families and our future.
Answer from Dean G. Skelos:
As parents and elected officials, it is our responsibility to provide children with access to high-quality public education. With rising property taxes unduly burdening homeowners and jeopardizing our education system, the Senate enacted the STAR program, dramatically increased state school aid and established the School Property Tax Rebate Check initiative. Moreover, the Senate continues to advocate for the creation of a Blue Ribbon Commission to recommend alternatives to the existing school property tax system.
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2. Legislative districts have been determined on a partisan basis. Would you support establishing an independent commission as a more open and ethical way to create the districts? Please explain.*
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Answer from Odelia Goldberg:
Yes, I am in favor of reforming Albany and strongly support the creation of an independent redistricting commission. The process of redrawing districts has become politically charged and is often misused for political gain. We need to reform the redistricting process by creating a non-partisan redistricting panel, one that is independent and not beholden to politicians. Redistricting reform will prevent the disenfranchisement of millions of voters.
Answer from Dean G. Skelos:
The reapportionment of congressional and state legislative districts is strictly governed by the U.S. Constitution, NYS Constitution, Voting Rights Act and various decisions from both state and federal courts. In addition, the U.S. Department of Justice monitors redistricting in select counties. Developed through a series of public hearings, passed in bipartisan fashion, signed by the governor and endorsed by state and federal courts, this process includes numerous checks and balances and protects all New Yorkers.
Responses to questions asked of each candidate
are reproduced as submitted to the League.
- Original answers for a published Voters Guide
were limited are presented as submitted. Candidates have since been invited
to supply answers of any length for the Web.
The order of the candidates is random and changes daily. Candidates who did not respond are not listed on this page.
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League of Women Voters of New York Education Foundation
