Pair of primaries for new Assembly district

(Page 2 of 3)

Maher has run for office several times, including the Nassau County Legislature last year. She has also run for Congress and the State Senate. If elected, she would have to move into the 22nd Assembly District.

Maher is the director of development and community education for a nonprofit health care foundation, has worked in the Nassau County district attorney’s office and is a former intern in the U.S. Senate, according to an online biography. She did not return phone and email messages seeking comment, and she did not attend a debate at the Elmont Library on Aug. 30.

D’Annunzio, 22, is a recent college graduate with a degree in business administration. Born and raised in Valley Stream, he said he is running for Assembly to make a difference. “As I graduated college, my eyes opened up to issues that affected everyday Americans,” he said. “I am young and without a political agenda. My platform is to stand my ground, make a difference and help the working-class families in our community.”

The issues

Solages said she wants economic growth in the district, specifically at Belmont Park, which, she said, should be developed to benefit neighboring communities, along with providing more jobs. She also said that she wants to work to improve New York’s educational system and ensure that every student has an opportunity to attend college.

“I will tirelessly work to ensure a better quality of life for my constituents,” she said. “Moreover, I pledge to work closely with my fellow legislators, irrespective of party affiliation, to further the interests of the District.”

Solages also said that the state must address fraud and waste in the Medicaid system.

Vicente said that the major issues affecting the district are economic development, public safety and education. Children should receive the best possible education, she said, and families should have access to high-quality health care. “My office will be a resource to the community so that residents and businesses will have a friend to advocate on their behalf and to make sure they get what they need,” she said. “I will fight to have our fair share of state dollars come back to the community and schools.

Page 2 / 3