Battle for open state senate seat
Marisol Alcantara, Democrat
What three things do you most want to get done in the state legislature during the next two years?
Ethics & Campaign Finance Reform: Years of scandals have shaken New Yorkers’ trust in government, and it’s time to clean up Albany. We must create a full-time legislature, and eliminate outside income that has allowed corruption to persist. And we must close the “multiple LLC loophole,” and pass campaign finance reform, so our government is focused on helping families in our community, instead of special interests like landlords and insurance companies.
Affordable Housing: Affordable housing is rapidly disappearing throughout the city, and it’s becoming impossible for working and middle-class families and seniors to live in this district. To reverse this, New York must invest in public housing (NYCHA) and the Mitchell-Lama program, and crack down on landlord harassment to protect rent-stabilized tenants. Dream Act: Even in one of the most progressive states in the country, we are still failing to provide our all of kids with the opportunity to go to college and achieve their dreams. Over 8,500 young people in New York are denied financial assistance each year because of their immigration status. This is unacceptable.
How will you work with the opposition party?
I’ve been an independent tenant and union organizer my entire career, and I’ll work with colleagues from across the spectrum to fight for change. From successfully challenging an 18-year incumbent for a Democratic Party position, to supporting Senator Bernie Sanders in the presidential primary, I’m not afraid to speak truth to power and challenge the status quo in Albany. I’ll work to find common ground with moderates and even conservatives, to pass legislation protecting seniors, consumers, working families and the environment.
What is your favorite TV show and why?
It’s a guilty pleasure, but I love “Modern Family.” Families in 2016 look very different than they did 20 or 30 years ago, and it’s something we should celebrate.
Melinda Crump, Republican
What three things do you most want to get done in the state legislature during the next two years?
Make New York more affordable and business friendly by reducing taxes and fees on individuals and small businesses. We need to improve public schools in poor performing districts, and provide parents with more choice in K-12 schools. We need to foster better relationships with law enforcement city wide, and work towards more judicious sentencing practices.
How will you work with the opposition party?
There are numerous practical issues that both sides of the aisle can agree on. I will support term limits for more effective legislation that works for the constituents. It’s time for Albany to lose its reputation for corruption.
What is your favorite TV show and why?
I don’t watch TV often, but have enjoyed the “Dog Whisperer.”
Two other candidates will be on the ballot: Conservative John Toro and Green candidate Julia Willebrand. The Conservative Party did not respond to telephone requests; the Green candidate was not reachable by email.