Election years are never boring, especially during presidential years. Especially when Donald Trump is running. Yet this year, with a catastrophic debate performance by the incumbent president, an assassination attempt, and a change in the Democratic nominee happening within weeks of each other, and with less than 100 days before Election Day, it’s been particularly dramatic.
Luckily, things on our island have been a bit calmer. The jury is still out to see how the top of the ticket will affect down-ballot races. It’s unlikely there will be any seismic changes in power, but there are some key state races in play. These are the races that will help determine how infrastructure issues are handled in the region going forward.
There is no one more qualified to speak to the implications of the upcoming election than our esteemed party leaders: Suffolk County Republican and Democratic party chairs Jesse Garcia and Richie Schaffer, and Nassau County Republican and Democratic party chairs Joe Cairo and Jay Jacobs, respectively.
Jesse Garcia, Chairman Suffolk County Republican Committee
What are the most significant issues for Long Island at stake in this election?
The Suffolk County Republican Party fights for what Suffolk County residents want. They want a safer Suffolk, which is why our elected officials, like Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine, District Attorney Ray Tierney, the Republican supermajority at the county legislature, federal, state, and town Republican officials, “Back the Blue” and OPPOSE all “defund the police” policies or proposals. It’s why we fight for stricter penalties for criminals. While New York Democrats want more revolving-door criminal justice policies like cashless bail laws, embrace lawlessness and illegal immigration, and promote anti-Semitism, Republicans here in the Suffolk County Republican Party are fighting back. Through Ed Romaine, Ray Tierney, and the Republican Legislative Majority, we are pushing for less red tape and giving our law enforcement the tools they need to keep us safe. These tools include but are not limited to hiring more cops, fully funding Suffolk police detective squads, funding the crime-fighting tool held up for years by Democrats, like ShotSpotter, and preventing the placement of illegal migrants in the county, just to name a few.
While Democrats nationwide are demonizing and encouraging anti-Semitism, Suffolk Republicans, as a party and among our elected officials, support our Jewish population and will not abandon one of America’s closest allies.
How would the election affect public works/infrastructure projects?
The Republican Party is committed not only to infrastructure in a speculative manner but to achieving real results for residents. As our County Executive, Ed Romaine, states every day, he is committed to receiving as much state and federal funds as possible to improve our infrastructure. Further, he introduced a capital budget that doubles down on providing the infrastructure that residents deserve. It is critical that taxpayer funding of infrastructure projects be directed to vital brick-and-mortar projects like roads, active parks, airports, marinas, and shoreline protection as opposed to programs that have no role in improving and expanding the county’s infrastructure.
The Republican Party achieves real results, and that is why the Water Quality Referendum, which is projected to expand the county’s sewer system, is within reach and providing thousands of residents with the ability to receive sewers. In 2023, the Democrats proposed a sewer referendum that simply put: didn’t build sewers. An overwhelming majority of the funds to be collected were to be directed, by more than two-thirds, to IA systems, and the bulk of the funds would have benefited individuals that did not need financial assistance with sewers/IA systems. The new proposal, successfully negotiated by Suffolk Executive Romaine and approved by the Republican-led county legislature, will split that allocation along a 50% to 50% split and is designed to ensure that the areas that need the infrastructure will receive it.
What are your county’s most critical infrastructure/construction projects?
The responsibility for the decision and selection of the most critical infrastructure for the county sits with our locally elected officials, along with community leaders and stakeholders. They are the ground troops on hearing what our residents are seeking. One thing we hear at every door is the importance of funding our roads, parks, and transportation hubs. Critical projects in Suffolk County include an overpass at the intersection of Nicoll’s Road and State Route 347, the electrification of the Port Jefferson Railroad line, and the electrification of the Ronkonkoma line east of Ronkonkoma Station. All three infrastructure projects are vital to the Long Island economy. The potential impact of all three projects could result in vital jobs and quality-of-life increases for residents throughout Suffolk.
How high a priority should infrastructure be in this election? Why?
Infrastructure goes hand in hand with creating a safer and more affordable Suffolk County. The County Republican Party and its elected officials make sure money goes directly to the municipalities that need road improvements, parks, airports, marina, and shoreline protections, to name a few. It is wrong when governmental levels, like the State and Federal levels, include radical programs that have no role in improving and expanding the county’s infrastructure in their laws. Infrastructure is important for all Suffolk residents, not only in the direct impact of a smoother road or safer bridge but also in indirect forms through jobs and putting more money in people’s pockets to spend on our economy.
Who is a favorite political hero of yours from history?
I am sure readers may be expecting a historical figure, but for me, my political hero is my Dad, Jesus Garcia. My Dad fled communist Cuba as the Castro regime began to form. He recognized the tyranny of communism and the failures of socialism. Just about 90 miles away, he was drawn to the freedom, liberty, and prosperity that America represented and provides. He left his parents, brother, friends, and his belongings. From the moment he legally set foot on American soil, my Dad became immediately involved in the political process. The Republican Party principles were in line with his own beliefs.
From my earliest remembrance, I can recall walking designating petitions with my Dad, now a member of the Brookhaven Town Republican Party. We canvassed door to door and attended rallies and phone banks as a family. He instilled patriotism and a deep work ethic in me and my family. My Dad became a naturalized citizen in 1973, after earning employment, meeting my Mom, and raising a family. While I was an only child, my parents worked with Little Flower to help more than 30 foster children have better lives. My Dad introduced me to politics and community service. He stressed the importance of being “involved” and “making a difference.” Organizations like the Republican Party provided avenues for this. For this reason and many more, my political hero is my Dad, Jesus Garcia. If you need a more ‘historical’ figure, then I would share Presidents Ronald Reagan and Abraham Lincoln.
Joe Cairo, Nassau County Republican Chairman
What are the most significant issues for Long Island at stake in this election?
There are a host of important issues facing Long Islanders as we approach Election Day on November 5th. Taxes and the economy, crime, anti-Semitism, and immigration are at the top of the list for many families on Long Island and throughout our nation.
Republican candidates and officials have been fiscally responsible, standing firmly against runaway spending and taxes at all levels of government. By contrast, Governor Hochul and New York City Democrats foisted a regressive $1 billion commuter tax on us, which will disproportionately impact Long Island drivers without consideration for the ability of commuters to pay.
How would the election affect public works/infrastructure projects?
Elections have consequences. Republicans who are elected will pursue an agenda that will prioritize spending and ensure the maintenance and enhancement of our infrastructure. Sadly, Governor Hochul and Gotham Mayor Eric Adams have prioritized spending on outrageous benefits for illegal migrants such as free cell phones, debit cards, luxury hotel accommodations, and free college tuition. Republicans on Long Island have dedicated significant spending to roadway and infrastructure upgrades, which serve the interests and needs of hard-working people who call Long Island home.
What are your county’s most critical infrastructure/construction projects?
Some of the most critical infrastructure projects on Long Island include work surrounding Nassau Veterans Coliseum. The development of a resort, entertainment, and casino at the site would be accompanied by upgrades to a massive roadway network, including Hempstead Turnpike, Stewart Avenue, Merrick Avenue, the Meadowbrook Parkway, James Doolittle Boulevard, Charles Lindbergh Boulevard, and a host of interior roadways at the HUB.
At the same time, the construction of the proposed NYU Langone Hospital Project on the campus of Nassau County Community College is a critically important undertaking that will create significant construction jobs and serve the needs of the community in the future.
How high a priority should infrastructure be in this election? Why?
Infrastructure should be a major priority in the upcoming election, and voters who care about prioritizing spending on our area’s roadways and infrastructure have good reason to support Republican officials. Moreover, Republicans will continue to dedicate needed resources to our important construction projects. Extreme politicians in the other major party, on the other hand, will continue to prioritize initiatives that are out of touch with hardworking families who want construction jobs and a well-maintained infrastructure.
Who is a favorite political hero of yours from history?
As a Long Islander, my favorite political hero is, of course, Teddy Roosevelt. President Roosevelt is emblematic of LICA’s priorities. In specific, he represented the conservation of natural resources at the same time as he supported the industrial blooming of our nation.
How would the election affect public works/infrastructure projects?
Elections have consequences. Republicans who are elected will pursue an agenda that will prioritize spending and ensure the maintenance and enhancement of our infrastructure. Sadly, Governor Hochul and Gotham Mayor Eric Adams have prioritized spending on outrageous benefits for illegal migrants such as free cell phones, debit cards, luxury hotel accommodations, and free college tuition. Republicans on Long Island have dedicated significant spending to roadway and infrastructure upgrades, which serve the interests and needs of hard-working people who call Long Island home.
What are your county’s most critical infrastructure/construction projects?
Some of the most critical infrastructure projects on Long Island include work surrounding Nassau Veterans Coliseum. The development of a resort, entertainment, and casino at the site would be accompanied by upgrades to a massive roadway network, including Hempstead Turnpike, Stewart Avenue, Merrick Avenue, the Meadowbrook Parkway, James Doolittle Boulevard, Charles Lindbergh Boulevard, and a host of interior roadways at the HUB.
At the same time, the construction of the proposed NYU Langone Hospital Project on the campus of Nassau County Community College is a critically important undertaking that will create significant construction jobs and serve the needs of the community in the future.
How high a priority should infrastructure be in this election? Why?
Infrastructure should be a major priority in the upcoming election, and voters who care about prioritizing spending on our area’s roadways and infrastructure have good reason to support Republican officials. Moreover, Republicans will continue to dedicate needed resources to our important construction projects. Extreme politicians in the other major party, on the other hand, will continue to prioritize initiatives that are out of touch with hardworking families who want construction jobs and a well-maintained infrastructure.
Who is a favorite political hero of yours from history?
As a Long Islander, my favorite political hero is, of course, Teddy Roosevelt. President Roosevelt is emblematic of LICA’s priorities. In specific, he represented the conservation of natural resources at the same time as he supported the industrial blooming of our nation.
Rich Schaffer, Suffolk County Democratic Chairman
What are the most significant issues for Long Island at stake in this election?
Suffolk’s Water Quality Referendum is one of the most significant issues. It will provide funds for sewering many parts of the county, which will protect our environment and water quality as well as provide a blueprint for future generations.
How would the election affect public works/infrastructure projects?
Hopefully, in a positive way with continued support for the federal Infrastructure Bill that was passed by Congress and signed by President Biden. This support will ensure necessary funding for essential projects.
What are your county’s most critical infrastructure/construction projects?
The sewer projects that will be created by the approval of the Water Quality Referendum are critical. Additionally, infrastructure funding would be made available for MacArthur Airport improvements, Midway Crossing, and Heartland projects.
How high a priority should infrastructure be in this election? Why?
It should be at the top of everyone’s list. We have aging infrastructure that cannot wait any longer to be improved. In addition, the funding provided for these projects will create good-paying jobs for our residents.
Who is a favorite political hero of yours from history?
James Madison and Lyndon Johnson.
Jay Jacobs, Nassau County Democratic Chairman
What are the most significant issues for Long Island at stake in this election?
In a presidential election year, most Long Island voters will be mainly focused on national issues such as protecting women’s rights, defending democracy, and restoring the SALT deductions that were cut by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. Immigration will also be a major issue, and I anticipate our Democratic candidates will highlight how Congressional Republicans walked away from a bipartisan border deal they advocated for, simply because they thought passing the bill would hurt Donald Trump’s electoral chances.
How would the election affect public works/infrastructure projects?
Under Donald Trump’s administration, “Infrastructure Week” was a long-running joke because he never followed through on his many grand pronouncements to rebuild the nation’s roads and bridges. In 2021, the Biden/Harris administration signed historic, bipartisan infrastructure legislation into law. This significant legislation is investing nearly $500 billion into rebuilding the nation’s roads and bridges, which includes 56,000 individual projects across 4,500 communities in all 50 states.
What are your county’s most critical infrastructure/construction projects?
Off-shore wind and other renewable energy projects are Nassau County’s most critical infrastructure projects. Thanks to Governor Hochul and the Biden/Harris administration, significant investments are being made to create a more resilient electrical grid system that can withstand the extreme weather events that are occurring more frequently, while also decreasing Nassau’s reliance on fossil fuels that are harmful to our environment and quality of life.
How high a priority should infrastructure be in this election? Why?
Infrastructure should be a top priority this election cycle to ensure the roads and bridges Americans drive on are safe, and that the water they drink and the air they breathe are clean. This is why the bipartisan infrastructure legislation enacted into law by the Biden/Harris administration is so imperative; while it makes historic investments to rebuild our nation’s roads and bridges, it also finances projects to protect our water supply and transition public transportation from fossil fuels to lower carbon emission standards.
Who is a favorite political hero of yours from history?
Lyndon Johnson.