By Nathan Duke
State Assemblywoman Ann−Margaret Carrozza (D−Bayside) said she has focused her bid to retain her Albany seat primarily on economic issues as she fends off Republican opponent Rob Speranza, a retired police officer, who has vowed to prioritize education, crime prevention and transparency issues.
Carrozza, first elected in 1996, said the struggling economy is the top priority for Assembly District 26, which includes Bayside, Whitestone, Little Neck and Douglaston.
“I think by all indications from economists, New York state’s finances are going to be strained to an extent that we haven’t seen in generations,” she said. “I think the No. 1 priority is to ensure that any budget balancing techniques do not harm middle−income families.”
Carrozza said she would fight to make sure that trimming the state’s budget does not result in less money for schools in her district.
“We need to keep funding levels up for public education,” she said. “But we also need to ensure that we do not increase income or property taxes on middle income families and make sure that private insurers keep Medicaid spending levels in check.”
She also said she would continue “do−good” initiatives in her neighborhoods, such as Valentines for Veterans, a program she created in which students send clothing and gifts to veterans on Valentine’s Day, or Toys for Tots.
“I think I have been very aggressive and creative in my 12 years in office in terms of establishing local initiatives,” she said. “I think they will be more important than ever during a rotten economy.”
Speranza, a former 102nd Precinct officer who recently retired after being injured in a riot, said government waste was the center of his campaign. But he also said improving district education and lowering crime were also priorities.
“I got tired of complaining that nothing was getting done in the district,” said Speranza, who has been endorsed by the Queens Republican Party. “I thought I should do something about it or stop complaining.”
Speranza said he believed the state should cut spending and eliminate ineffective programs rather than raise taxes to combat economic problems.
“[Legislators] spend too much of the people’s money on stuff they never see,” he said. “There is not enough disclosure.”
He said he also believed the state was failing to provide adequate money to schools in his district.
“Money is being wasted and squandered in the education system,” he said. “It’s not being spent on teachers and students.”
Reach reporter Nathan Duke by e−mail at news@timesledger.com or by phone at 718−229−0300, Ext. 156.
