A Suozzi, DeBono showdown in N.Y.'s 3rd congressional district

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Rep. Tom Suozzi, who lives in Glen Cove, is a familiar face on the North Shore, once serving as the city’s mayor. He has worked hard to serve his constituents as a congressman and says he would like to continue doing so. Political newcomer Dan DeBono says he is offering a fresh outlook and believes that his experience as an investment banker would be beneficial.

We provided the candidates with a few questions to assist voters in making their choice when they go to the polls on Nov. 6.

Herald Gazette: In some areas in District 3, jobs and small business have begun to diminish. What changes can you effect at the federal level to help boost the local economy?

Tom Suozzi: As a member of Congress, one of my top priorities, is to bring federal dollars back to Long Island to invest and support in infrastructure and industry. The first thing we need to do is reinvest in our crumbling infrastructure and start in places like Long Island where critical infrastructure is approaching 100 years in age. Infrastructure investment will create good, high paying jobs in the near term and reduce costs by making our economy more efficient in the long term. We also need to invest and support local sectors of our economy that will drive growth into the future. Long Island is home to a vibrant community of high-tech companies. We have an aerospace and defense cluster positioned to be a leader in 21st century space exploration and commercialization - an estimated $3 trillion-dollar industry. Long Island is home to cutting edge life sciences research and development institutions. Directing federal investment in these sectors will spurn innovation, new businesses and create new jobs and drive up wages. 

 

Dan DeBono: It’s more like all areas. Taxes are too high, businesses are fleeing, and we need to unwind the Suozzi and Cuomo tax hikes. We need to ensure our elected leaders work for their constituents, not special corporate interests. Too many of our elected leaders take both cash and marching orders from giant mega-corporations, then completely fail regular working people when it comes to ensuring fair competition between giants and small business. After 20 years with the world’s leading financial institutions, I have the knowledge and ability to strengthen jobs and grow our economy. We must start by reducing taxes, enforcing anti-trust laws, and eliminating burdens that are being placed on small business.  

Herald Gazette: Americans’ public safety has been threatened by repeated events of gun violence. What do you consider the main cause of this pattern and how would you work to stop it?

 

TS: Gun violence is a serious issue in our country. I have been endorsed by Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, New Yorkers Against Gun Violence, and Giffords: Courage to Fight Gun Violence. I support common sense gun safety legislation that the vast majority of Americans want, including universal background checks and the Red Flag statute. For the last year I worked very closely with students across Long Island and together we co-hosted three gun violence prevention rallies since March 2018. I have signed on to 16 different gun safety legislation and it is imperative that both sides of Congress work together to enact laws that the vast majority of Americans support.

DD: I think it is crucial to do everything in our power to secure and keep us safe. From enacting and enforcing reasonable gun laws and gun reform to working with our local police departments to root out evil and to continue to be prepared, we can prevent acts of what I believe is terrorism from taking place. Additionally, illegal immigration, amnesty, and sanctuary cities all give comfort to domestic terrorists known as MS-13. We must enforce our borders and root them out.

Herald Gazette: As a congressman, how would you help the North Shore manage environmental issues including the pollution of the Sound and air quality?

TS: I have been endorsed by every major environmental group, including the New York League of Conservation Voters, the Sierra Club, and the Long Island Environmental Voters Forum. Over my twenty years in public service, I have had a constant focus on preserving and protecting the environment.

I am proud that I was successful in doubling the federal funding to protect the Long Island Sound and working across the aisle I secured $34 million to clean up the Navy/Grumman Plume. I serve as Co-Chair of the Long Island Sound Caucus and as Member of the Climate Solutions Caucus to ensure that our district receives its fair share of federal funds.

DD: The North Shore of Long Island is beautiful and filled with endless potential. It is important to continue funding improvements to our waterways and more importantly to educate all Long Islanders on the value of safeguarding this precious resource. 

Herald Gazette: What federal resources will you use to help the communities on the North Shore address recent issues related to drinking water?

 

TS: In the past year, I have spearheaded efforts to clean up the Navy/Grumman Plume, working with my colleagues across the aisle to get $34 million in federal funding. I also hosted a roundtable with all stakeholders to rededicate efforts to clean up the Navy/Grumman Plume and to lay out concrete steps we can take.

The United States needs a massive investment in infrastructure funding, some of which needs to be dedicated to sewers and septic systems. I am vice-chair of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus and we are working on finding a solution to this serious problem.

DD: I have had a great opportunity in meeting so many people impacted by contamination of their drinking water. From the Grumman Plume in Bethpage, the lack of sewers in areas on the North Shore and throughout Suffolk we must find better ways to fund these important infrastructure projects. We must hold polluters responsible and not the taxpayers. We must use public private partnerships to fund and have these projects finish quicker and less costly. We must hold corporate polluters accountable within our lifetime. We can’t allow our politicians to be funded by the very same groups that are polluting our beloved island which is why I don’t take corporate PAC money. I consider it a bribe.