Saturday, December 7, 2024
Mike LiPetri Jr., the Republican candidate in New York’s 3rd Congressional District, is pitching himself as a “next-generation leader” focused on restoring checks and balances to government, supporting law enforcement, and reducing the high cost of living for Long Islanders. A former State Assemblyman and a lifelong Long Island resident, LiPetri is framing his campaign around action and tangible solutions.
His approach to public safety and law enforcement is a central component of his platform. In the State Legislature, he claimed he was a vocal opponent of the “defund the police” movement and introduced legislation aimed at criminalizing attacks on officers, enhancing penalties for resisting arrest, and increasing access to Department of Motor Vehicle records for law enforcement. He has pledged to expand on this at the federal level, including supporting the death penalty for those convicted of killing police officers.
Additionally, LiPetri has outlined a strict stance against the trafficking of fentanyl and other illicit drugs, advocating life sentences for drug dealers linked to overdose deaths. He calls for designating Mexican and Chinese cartels foreign terrorist organizations to restrict the flow of drugs into the U.S.
Despite this support for law and order, when asked about his thoughts on the Jan. 6 Insurrection and whether he trusts this year’s election results, LiPetri merely said that he “believed in our democracy.”
“We have to believe that we can do what’s right, and people have to trust the government again,” he said. “I believe that that’s what’s going to happen in 2024, and I believe Republicans will prevail entirely, because we’re the party of common sense.”
LiPetri’s platform also focuses on easing Long Islanders’ economic burdens, which he attributes to the “one-party rule” in New York and federal mismanagement. One of his primary goals is to address the high cost of living by supporting tax relief measures. He proposes eliminating taxes on overtime and Social Security and reinstating the SALT tax deduction.
LiPetri also supports lifting the child care deduction cap, covering expenses for day care, formula, and other child-rearing essentials, which he believes will allow families to keep more money in their pockets.
Water quality, particularly in Long Island’s aquifers, is another focal point of his campaign. He supports the establishment of a National Water Quality Task Force, modeled after his statewide initiative, to address local and regional water infrastructure issues.
With Long Island’s single-source aquifer under stress, LiPetri intends to lobby for federal funding to improve outdated infrastructure, promote the use of permeable asphalt to enhance water absorption, and reduce saltwater intrusion.
While he is opposed to a national abortion ban, LiPetri emphasizes a state-centric approach to reproductive rights. He voiced his support for New York’s existing abortion laws, opposing late-term procedures except when necessary to protect the mother’s life.
“I trust women to make that choice within a reasonable period,” he said.
LiPetri is a proponent of reinstating Trump-era border policies, including Title 42, which allows for the immediate expulsion of migrants on public health grounds. He argued that a secure border is essential to limit the influx of drugs and undocumented immigrants, which he ties to local crime and economic strain.
“We had a secure border before the Biden administration,” he asserted, although he did not cite any evidence to support the claim.
LiPetri’s commitment to veterans’ issues is shaped by his family background and personal experiences. He is pushing for broad access to mental health care and full medical benefits for veterans. Citing statistics that show alarming suicide rates among veterans, he said he wants to expand mental health programs like the Joseph P. Dwyer Veteran Peer Support Program, which provides counseling services to veterans in New York.
LiPetri said his vision for Long Island centers on making it a more affordable and secure place to live while preserving its unique environment and quality of life. He sees his experience as an attorney and former assemblyman as an asset, bringing legal expertise to the legislative process and a dedication to bipartisan solutions.
“We ultimately want to be doing what’s right, not what’s easy, to make a difference for our future generations,” he said. “We want to make sure people flock to Long Island, not flee Long Island.”
