NY Primary Election 2020: Michael Weinstock Eyes Suozzi's Seat

GREAT NECK, NY — Voters in parts of northern Queens, Nassau and Suffolk Counties will head to the polls this month to cast their ballots for state and federal offices in New York's primary election. That includes the 3rd Congressional District, where Democratic U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi will defend his seat against challengers Michael Weinstock and Melanie D'Arrigo.

The election is slated for June 23, with early voting available June 13-21. Under Gov. Andrew Cuomo's order, all registered voters in the state must receive a mail-in ballot application to apply for a postage-paid absentee ballot amid the coronavirus. All ballots postmarked by June 23 will be counted.

Suozzi, an attorney and CPA, is a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, the chamber's chief tax-writing committee. He also serves on both the Oversight and Tax Policy subcommittees, and previously served as both mayor of Glen Cove and Nassau County executive.

The 3rd Congressional District includes the Nassau County municipalities of Port Washington, Great Neck, Manhasset, Roslyn Heights, East Hills, Sea Cliff, Glen Cove, Oyster Bay, Syosset, Jericho, Hicksville, Plainview and Bethpage. The district includes the Suffolk municipalities of Melville, Huntington, Northport, Kings Park, and Commack, as well as the Queens communities of Little Neck, Glen Oaks and Whitestone.

Patch has reached out to all the candidates in the primary election. Here are their responses, lightly edited for clarity.

Michael Weinstock

Age as of Election Day (Nov. 3):

47

Town of residence:

Great Neck

Position Sought:

U.S. Congress

Party Affiliation:

Democrat

Family:

No response.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

None.

Education:

St. Johns Law School, University of Iowa, Great Neck North High School

Occupation:

Former firefighter (12 years), former prosecutor - special victim's bureau (5 years)

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office:

None.

Campaign website: WeinstockForCongress.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

I want New Yorkers to be proud of our elected officials again.

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

Everyone goofs on Long Island politicians because they keep getting arrested or protecting one another when they get arrested. I want to become a fresh voice and work hard so kids look up to me - the way I looked up to Gov. Cuomo when I was a boy.

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

Unlike Mr. Suozzi, I would never get one of my friends released from prison early. That's just wrong. Another difference between the two of us is that I would never raise taxes by 23 percent, the way Mr. Suozzi did, when he was Nassau County Executive.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

Taxes are incredibly high on Long Island and young people can't afford to stay in the area. That's because Mr. Suozzi jacked up taxes by 23 percent.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

I'm committed to bringing more federal dollars back to Long Island for Yeshivas and Catholic schools. The money is desperately needed for school safety officers and school lunch programs for poor kids. (When I was a boy - school lunch was oftentimes the only meal of the day.)

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

If I am elected, I will become the first 9/11 firefighter elected to Congress. That experience not only demonstrates that my commitment to public service is unwavering but it has created important friendships with a bevy of elected leaders on the other side of the aisle.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

My grandfather used to lecture me on the importance of always being on time. I'm glad that he did.

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

If I'm elected, I will become the first 9/11 firefighter elected to Congress and the first openly-gay person to represent NYC in Congress. I will also become the only openly-gay man holding any elected office on Long Island.

See also:

• NY Primary Election 2020: Melanie D'Arrigo Hopes To Unseat Suozzi