Politics

Venditto reflects on first year

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Although he spends a good part of his time in Albany, State Sen. Michael Venditto said he hasn’t forgotten about importance of face-to-face interaction with his constituents, who live in Baldwin, West Babylon, and everywhere in between.

“I enjoy working locally and knocking on doors and dealing with people,” said Venditto, who recently wrapped up his first year representing the 8th Senate District. Venditto was elected in November 2014, filling a year-long vacancy after the resignation of former Sen. Charles Fuschillo.

Venditto, a Republican from Massapequa, previously served in the Nassau County Legislature. At 34, he is one of the youngest members of the Senate. He said there are big differences between state and county government, most notably travelling to Albany instead of Mineola to make decisions. Being a state lawmaker, he said, means dealing with “real issues that are affecting people’s lives in meaningful ways” such as health care and education.

A state senator, he says, tackles issues of both local and statewide importance. “I try to keep simple the approach,” he said, “no matter what the level of government.”

The first bill that Venditto sponsored as a member of the Senate would have authoritzed municipalities to establish residency restrictions for sex offenders. The bill passed the Senate, but was not voted on by the Assembly. He said his goal for 2016 is to continue to push for approval of this legislation. “It’s one that means a lot to me, particularly as a new father,” he said.

He also sponsored a bill that would return to Freeport possession of its armory building to use as an emergency services center.

Another issue Venditto said he wants to tackle in this year’s Legislative session is distracted driving. He said that despite laws on the books that penalize talking on a cell phone and texting while driving, people still do. Accidents continue to happen and he said the laws need to be looked it to see if they should be strengthened, as well as educational opportunities that could be offered. He also hopes to sponsor a bill that would study the dangers of the Southern State Parkway.

Venditto says he is ready to take part in his second state budget discussion. He said he wants to fight for Long Island to get its fair share of school aid, and supports getting rid of the Gap Elimination Adjustment, which reduces aid to districts.

Other priorities including bringing dollars to Long Island for continued infrastructure upgrades after Hurricane Sandy, and for libraries and fire districts.

He noted that he has hosted upwards of 80 events in his district since he took office including men’s and women’s health screenings, Narcan training, child and senior identification programs, a toy drive and tax grievance workshops, with more on the way in 2016.