Meet The Candidate: Eisen For Congress In NY17

HARRISON, NY - New Yorkers will choose their representatives to Congress Nov. 3 in the 2020 general election.

In anticipation of the election, Patch asked candidates in the contested races to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Josh Eisen is seeking election as an independent to the Congressional seat being vacated by longtime Rep. Nita Lowey. He began but dropped out of the Republican primary in the spring. His opponents on the ballot in November include the Republican candidate, Maureen McArdle-Schulman, the Conservative Party candidate who lost in the Republican primary, Yehudis Gottesfeld, a Serve America Movement candidate, Michael Parietti, and Democratic candidate Mondaire Jones.

The district covers Rockland County and most of central and northwest Westchester County.

Eisen, 48, holds several academic degrees: BA in Classics, Queens College; MA, Philology and Archaeology, NYU; MBA, Columbia University, Ph.D., Religion, Columbia University. He is an investor and consultant.

Campaign website: www.eisenforcongress.com

Check out Patch's full Q&A with Josh Eisen:

Why are you seeking elective office?

To bring money to the district and to ameliorate human challenge.

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

We need more money to deal with all the challenges, with Covid topping the list. Our communities in Westchester and Rockland know what to do. I will bring back the money taken from us with the SALT deduction cap, not only by fighting to increase the deduction but also to get funding for programs and jobs in the district.

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

I am not a radical left wing intellectual who favors no-bail policies and abortions in the ninth month like my Democratic opponent. Nor am I underfunded like my Republican opponent who is closely associated with the Westchester GOP committee, which is beset by moral failures, corrupt leadership and which has been able to win only one countywide or statewide election in the last five years.

In what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community?

There was a total failure in bringing programs and jobs into the district. The best example is the Tappan Zee Bridge, to which the federal government contributed nothing. I will not tolerate that.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

Strong communities build strong nations. Responsible government working efficiently for the people. Dignity in labor.

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

I have the practical experience of knowing how to get things done with the education and thoughtfulness to act with strong planning.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Silence can be both strength and cowardice. Knowing when is leadership.