By Andrew Hackmack
"I never looked back," he said. "I haven't lost my zeal to represent the people of my district."
The Republican from North Valley Stream is being challenged by Democrat Alan Smilowitz in the 21st Assembly District. Smilowitz, 57, has lived in West Hempstead for the past 20 years. He is an attorney and runs a law practice out of his home.
Smilowitz said he has always put his family first, but now that he is an "empty-nester," he finally had an opportunity to run for office, and he approached the Democratic party. "It's something I've always wanted to do," he said.
One of Alfano's biggest issues is ensuring that Long Island receives its fair share of state aid for school districts to ease the burden on local homeowners. "We in Nassau are plagued by unreasonable property taxes," he said.
Alfano said that every region of New York state has its own needs, and Long Island needs people who fight for proper funding. He described himself as one of those people.
Smilowitz said he supports a property tax cap on school districts, but agrees that the state should increase its level of funding. He noted that per-pupil spending varies greatly from district to district. "You shouldn't have that kind of disparity," he said.
Since taking office, Alfano has welcomed more than 8,000 children from his district to the state Capitol. Students who visit Albany can sit in the same seats that the assemblymen and women do. Alfano said that the many layers of government can be confusing for children, and this experience helps them learn the role state lawmakers play. "I want an educated electorate," he said, adding that he tells children that Election Day is like his report card.
Alfano said he wants to see more affordable local housing because many people, especially the elderly and younger people just beginning their careers, can't afford to stay on Long Island.
Though Smilowitz describes himself as a social liberal - he is pro-choice, supports same-sex marriage and is opposed to the death penalty - he said he is not a fiscal liberal. He is concerned about the multi-billion-dollar New York state budget deficit, and noted that lawmakers may have to trim it back.
He said he would not support raising taxes. Residents are already struggling to keep up with rising costs, Smilowitz explained, so the state should not add to that burden. "I would rather see cuts in spending," he said, suggesting that the hours in which state services are provided could be scaled back. "No one is going to die from not being able to stay at a park late."
Alfano is pushing for redevelopment at Belmont Park, and the state recently secured $5 million for these efforts. "Belmont racetrack is a jewel," he said. "Since its beginning, it has been grossly underutilized."
The consensus among Elmont residents is that there is a need for economic development, Alfano said. He would like to see a project that creates both temporary construction jobs and permanent jobs for members of the community. "We have to make this happen now," he said.
Alfano sponsors several events each year in his district, including a soccer clinic, a basketball tournament, a health fair and the Women of Distinction awards ceremony. He said his style is to hold large events that deliver services to the people in the communities he serves.
Smilowitz said that while he agrees with Alfano on many issues, such as lower property taxes and improving funding for schools, they differ on social issues. He supports the vision of the Assembly Democrats, and wants to join them.
The 21st Assembly District includes Elmont, Franklin Square, North Valley Stream, Malverne and West Hempstead.
