Candidates emerge for Assembly seat

The race for Nassau County’s new Assembly district is heating up, as several candidates have announced their intention to run for the seat, whose occupant will be chosen by voters in November.

As part of the post-census redistricting process, the new district was drawn in western Nassau. It stretches from Bellerose to North Woodmere and includes Valley Stream, Elmont, South Floral Park and part of Franklin Square.

The district unites North and South Valley Stream and the village, each currently represented by a separate assemblyman — none of whom will continue to represent any area of Valley Stream as of Jan. 1 because their district boundaries will shift.

The Democratic field is quickly becoming crowded, with several interested candidates expected to square off in a September primary. North Valley Stream community activist Milagros Vicente, Valley Stream Board of Education Trustee Cristobal Stewart, Elmont resident Michaelle Solages and South Floral Park Mayor Geoffrey Prime are all seeking the party’s nod. On the Republican side, Valley Stream resident Sean Wright has the party’s nomination.

Vicente was an outspoken critic of Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano’s plan to merge police precincts. While local policing would not be an issue for the Assembly, she said she would be involved with many other concerns, including the development of Belmont Park, support for veterans and how the state spends money.

“A lot of elected officials don’t listen to their constituents, and that needs to be changed,” Vicente said. “I am one of those candidates that can be the voice of the community. My platform is to listen.”

Solages, the sister of newly elected County Legislator Carri Solages, expressed similar sentiments. “The community is sharing their concerns with me,” she said when asked about the issues that are most important to her.

Stewart, who was recently re-elected to the District 30 school board, said he wants to make this election about finding solutions to the issues facing the community. As an assemblyman, Stewart said, he would want to bring new ideas to Albany and work with legislators in both parties to solve problems.