Meet The Candidates: John Mikulin For State Assembly

EAST MEADOW, NY — Nov. 3 is Election Day in the United States. And while the presidential race is dominating the headlines, there are many down-ballot races that are also incredibly important. These races will shape the makeup of Congress, as well as New York's Senate and Assembly.

Republican John Mikulin is the current Assemblyman representing New York's 17th Assembly District, and is seeking re-election. The 32-year-old from Bethpage is seeking his second term. He is being challenged by Democrat Kevin Gorman.

The 17th Assembly District covers East Meadow, Levittown, Plainedge and South Farmingdale, and portions of Massapequa, North Bellmore, North Merrick, Farmingdale and Uniondale.

Mikulin received his J.D. from Touro Law School, a masters degree in government from St. Johns University and a bachelors in government from the same school. He has been an attorney for about three years. He lives in Bethpage with his wife Corinne, who is a teacher.

Patch reached out to the candidates to get more information about them. Here's what Mikulin said:

Why are you seeking elective office?

I am seeking reelection to continue my work in representing and helping the people of the 17th Assembly District. Over the last two years, I have assisted many residents with their quality of life issues, receiving unemployment during the pandemic, and speaking to residents about upcoming legislation. There is still more work to do and I want to continue the fight to preserve our water supply and repeal bail reform.

The single most pressing issue facing our nation/state/community is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

A pressing issue facing our state is protecting public safety. In Albany, I voted against bail reform and it is time to repeal it. Bail reform has allowed those accused of dangerous crimes to almost be released instantly to the streets. Let me be clear: reforms were needed, but what was enacted went far beyond what was necessary. I will advocate for this law to be repealed and for sensible legislation to be passed.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I have had years of experience representing my community as their current assemblyman or past president of the Island Trees Library Board. During this time, I have assisted many individuals with their quality of life issues and helped achieve progress within my community. In Albany, I have taken a stand against legislation such as bail reform which makes our community less safe and will continue to support public safety.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Other issues that define my campaign platform is coronavirus relief and protecting our water supply. During the pandemic, my office has assisted many people in obtaining their unemployment benefits and I have advocated for restaurants and bowling alleys to be reopened with precautionary restrictions. Furthermore, I will continue to ensure that businesses and first responders have supplies they need to be safe.

The Grumman Navy plume has been one of my main priorities. By working together with my colleagues, we were able to obtain much-needed funding to treat the plume. I will continue to advocate for funding and to begin treatment of the plume as soon as possible.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

As stated above, I was happy to work with my colleagues in government to obtain much needed funding to treat the Grumman Navy plume. By working with my colleagues and government departments, I was able to help many people with there quality of life issues. In Albany, I sponsored legislation to repeal bail reform, advocated to clean our water supply, and am fighting to keep our school aid intact.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Treat others the way you would like to be treated and always strive to make your community a better place.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I was born here, raised here, and I'm working to make our great community even better. My wife and I love it here, so we invest our time in the community to make it the envy of Long Island. Keeping families safe is a top priority for me, especially during these time. I will continue to advocate for common sense legislation and to repeal bail reform.