Tuesday, October 13, 2026
Dean Tarulli, the Democratic candidate for New York’s 15th Assembly District, is running on a promise to bring a government-insider’s perspective to Albany, saying his experience in climate resilience, public policy and grant funding has prepared him to take on problems that he believes career politicians have overlooked.
Tarulli, 38, a Glen Head resident, works as deputy director of coastal resilience for the New York City Department of Design and Construction. He described himself as “a climate resilience, public policy and funding professional.”
He said his decision to seek office grew out of years of working with elected officials and becoming frustrated with what he views as their focus on short-term political considerations.
If elected, Tarulli said one of his priorities would be establishing independent reviews of state capital infrastructure projects. He argued that stronger oversight could prevent cost overruns and save taxpayers billions of dollars statewide.
He also said he wants to use his experience securing federal and state grants to bring more funding to Long Island municipalities.
“I’ll do the paperwork with my staff and get us more money,” Tarulli said. “I don’t even have to go to Albany and beg.”
Tarulli said he would also prioritize meeting directly with constituents, proposing a walking tour of the district that could eventually involve knocking on residents’ doors.
“People should know their government officials,” he added, “and they should be able to, every once in a while, yell at me at their own front door.”
On the Propel NY Energy transmission project, which has drawn opposition from many North Shore residents, Tarulli said he believes the developers have not adequately explained the project’s construction impacts to residents.
His primary concern is the proposed construction through residential areas. Tarulli said directional drilling should be used more extensively to reduce disruption, particularly in Glen Head and Glenwood Landing.
“They’re already doing it under the (Long Island) Sound,” he said, “so I don’t know why they need to rip up the one road through Glen Head and Glenwood Landing.”
Affordable housing is another issue Tarulli said requires a different approach on Long Island. Rather than emphasizing traditional affordable housing, he said he wants to promote housing for young professionals near rail stations and major employment centers.
“We want young professional housing, not affordable housing,” Tarulli said. “It’s just decent, affordable condos or apartments that are near the railroad stations or near the LIE.”
Throughout the interview, Tarulli returned to his criticism of Albany and what he described as a disconnect between state government and Long Island. He cited the staffing at environmental agencies as an example, adding that Long Island has too few marine biologists and other state employees to adequately handle the region’s workload.
Ultimately, Tarulli emphasized that his campaign is about applying his government experience directly on behalf of district residents.
“I can advocate for us, and I can get us more, and it’s just that,” he said. “I’m unbought and unbossed, so no one’s telling me what to do.”
