Endorsement

It's Rep. Tom Suozzi in the 3rd C.D. primary

Posted

U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi, a Democrat of Glen Cove, is running in a three-way primary against Melanie D’Arrigo, of Port Washington, and Michael Weinstock, of Great Neck, to retain his 3rdDistrict seat in the House of Representatives.

This one isn’t even close. Our endorsement goes to Suozzi.

Suozzi, who was first elected to the House in 2016, served admirably as the Nassau County executive from 2002 to 2009, bringing fiscal order to what had been a chaotic financial crisis under his predecessor, Tom Gulotta. Before that, he had been the City of Glen Cove mayor. In short, Suozzi knows Long Island, in particular, Nassau County’s North Shore.

The congressman, who sits on the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, has established himself as a voice of calm and reason, a legislator who actively seeks to establish bipartisan relations amid bitter political rancor. He is vice chairman of the Problem Solvers Caucus, which comprises 24 Democrats and 24 Republicans.

Among its issues, the caucus looks to “mend, not end” the Affordable Care Act, otherwise known as Obamacare. On immigration, it has proposed a plan to protect the Dreamers, undocumented immigrants who were brought to or entered the United States as children; provide a “pathway to citizenship” for DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) recipients; and fund “dynamic border security.”

Finally, the caucus is seeking a large-scale infrastructure package to help fund restoration of America’s bridges, railways, airports, and water and sewer systems.

Additionally, Suozzi has worked outside the caucus to reach across the political aisle. Most notably, he has teamed with Rep. Peter King, a conservative Republican from Seaford, to call on Congress and President Trump to repeal the SALT (State and Local Taxes) cap found in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The provision limits the deduction that homeowners can take for SALT on their federal taxes to $10,000 per year, which has cost many Long Island residents thousands of dollars annually.

He also won federal funding, through bipartisan channels, to help restore the environment of the Long Island Sound.

Throughout the Covid-19 crisis, Suozzi has maintained a visible presence in the 3rdC.D. and has been highly responsive to constituents’ concerns. He is, no doubt, a hands-on leader.

Moreover, Suozzi is a proven leader, tried and tested during any number of crises, at the federal, regional and local levels. He is precisely who we need during times such as these.

If you’re registered as a Democrat in the 3rdC.D., cast your ballot for Suozzi by June 23.