Thursday, October 29, 2026
Joseph Cardinale, 72, a Conservative and Republican candidate from Amityville, is seeking the New York State Assembly’s 11th District seat for a second time, challenging incumbent Kwani B. O’Pharrow. Cardinale also ran for the seat in 2024.
Cardinale said his priorities if elected would include making the district safer and more affordable.
Crime has been a major focus of his campaign. Cardinale pointed to the Christmas Day 2025 killing of Edeedson “Joshy” Cine Jr., a young CVS employee in Lindenhurst, as an example of what he considers the growing problem of retail theft and other crimes.
Cardinale said he raised concerns about retail theft during his 2024 campaign, before Cine’s death, and was accused at the time of “fear mongering.”
“It’s not fear mongering, it’s real — retail theft seems to be one of the biggest things on Long Island right now because there is no consequence for it,” Cardinale said, adding that Cine was “such a good kid.”
“That was my CVS and he was the first one to run over to you and help you out,” he said.
Cardinale said crime also affects the local economy when businesses leave the area.
“When we drive these businesses out because of the crime issue, they do not return,” he said. “They don’t want to come back to New York.”
He said legislation named for Cine that would require the release of video surveillance could provide transparency but would not address what he sees as the underlying problem.
“They keep putting the illness on the store,” Cardinale said, referring to calls for retailers to increase security. “The thing is for someone to think they can go in the store on Christmas Day with a knife and take what they want — it’s the brazen approach of the criminals. They have no consequences, they fear nothing.”
Cardinale said judges and district attorneys need greater authority to prosecute such crimes.
“None of this slapping on the wrist,” he said. “I take it personal because I know what can be done with this with the proper laws.”
A retired NYPD lieutenant commander, Cardinale owns and operates Blue Line Pilot Cars and has worked with Congressman Andrew Garbarino. He said his continued involvement in the community has given him firsthand insight into residents’ concerns.
“I listen to what the people of the community have to say,” he said.
Cardinale also called for greater enforcement of quality-of-life issues, including the use of electric bikes. He said some can travel at dangerous speeds and recalled an incident in Lindenhurst involving an older woman.
“The bottom line is we need to be proactive, not reactive to crime — the way we used to be,” he said.
Affordability is another priority. Cardinale said high costs are making it difficult for younger generations to remain on Long Island.
At a recent Young Voters Forum, he said, he asked participants where they saw themselves in five or 10 years.
“They all said, well I would love to stay here but I can’t afford a house on Long Island,” he said.
Cardinale said he would like to see tax policies that make it easier for families to pass homes to their children.
On immigration, Cardinale said he believes there is room for improvement but criticized the political divide surrounding the issue.
“We’re all immigrants — my great grandparents came over here — but it’s different now,” he said.
A 9/11 responder, Cardinale said the anniversary serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance against terrorism and for a secure immigration system.
Cardinale said he is willing to work across party lines.
“I’ll cross the aisle if it’s going to benefit Long Island,” he said. “I’m not there to please any particular party — I’m here for the residents of my district and everybody on Long Island.”
Cardinale lives in Amityville and has four children and two grandchildren. He enjoys fishing, reading and walking.
The 11th Assembly District includes portions of Nassau and Suffolk counties, including Lindenhurst, North Lindenhurst, Wheatley Heights, Wyandanch, Copiague, North Amityville, Amityville and part of East Massapequa.
