Meet The Candidates: Jarett Gandolfo For State Assembly

LONG ISLAND, NY — This November, Long Island residents will be hitting the polls to exercise their right to vote. While voters will be electing the president this Election Day, they will also be choosing their local representatives. In New York, state and federal races will also be on the ballot.

Republican Jarett Gandolfo, 30, of Sayville is running for New York's 7th Assembly District. The seat is currently occupied by Andrew Garbarino who is running for Congress. Democrat Francis Genco is also running for the position.

The district covers Bay Shore, Bayport, Blue Point, Bohemia, Central Islip, East Islip, East Patchogue, Fire Island, Great River, Holbrook, Islip, Islip Terrace, North Great River, North Patchogue, Oak Beach-Captree, Oakdale, Sayville, West Bay Shore, West Sayville, Brightwaters, Ocean Beach, Patchogue and Saltaire.

Gandolfo received his B.A. in Criminal Justice from SUNY Albany an dhis Master of Public Administration (M.P.A) from Villanova University.

He most recently, spent over 7 years working with Garbarino, first as an intern in 2013 while attending SUNY Albany, and then hired full-time when he graduated. In 2015, he was promoted to Chief of Staff, and served in that role until March. Throughout high school and college, Gandolfo worked as a supermarket cashier, as well as a warehouse hand and delivery driver for a grocery wholesale company.

He also served on the Town of Islip Community Development Agency.

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.

Check out the full Q&A below:

Why are you seeking elective office?

I grew up here on the South Shore of Long Island, and I can't imagine living anywhere else. I love it here. We have amazing communities with thriving downtowns, beautiful beaches and waterways, and great schools. My goal to make Long Island an even better place to live, work, raise a family, and retire. We can do that by keeping criminals off of our streets, and giving law enforcement the resources they need to protect our communities. By increasing affordability so people can stay here and live comfortably. And by keeping our environment clean and preserving it for future generations. That's why I'm running for New York State Assembly.

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

There are a number of important, pressing issues we face here on Long Island. However, as of late, I would say the most pressing issue is law enforcement and public safety. That's what people want to talk to me about the most on the campaign trail - and rightfully so. In 2019, the failed Bail Reform laws were passed in Albany by the Democrat majorities. In 2020, they went further and targeted police with dangerous legislation and rhetoric. The same has happened under the weak leadership of Mayor de Blasio in New York City. The result has been lawlessness and violence, often directed at police officers. In the Assembly, I will fight to reverse this disturbing trend and stand up to the radicals who want to "defund" our police. I'll push to repeal the dangerous bail reform laws that release criminals back onto the streets every day, and will do everything in my power to give law enforcement the tools needed to protect our communities and return home safely.

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

I can't speak to my opponent, but I will say I'm bringing a mix of legislative and governmental experience, a strong platform, and enthusiasm to the table. Being 30 years old, I have a pretty significant stake in the future of Long Island. I'm here for the long haul, so I want to do everything possible to protect our communities, increase affordability, support our public school system, and protect our environment. I'm incredibly humbled to have an opportunity to shape our future,, and I don't take it lightly.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Apart from standing for law enforcement and public safety, there are many other issues that I care deeply about. A top priority of mine is preserving our environment and protecting the Great South Bay. To that effect, I will advocate for sewer expansion in the eastern portion of the 7th District. Sewers are not only more environmentally friendly, but will also allow for greater economic growth in our downtowns. Speaking of the economy, New York has been consistently rated as having one of the worst business climates in America. We need to enact policies which allow small businesses to thrive and provide greater economic opportunity for all. We also have a lot of work to do in addressing affordability and cost of living. I also believe we should do as much as possible to support veterans and military families. I'll fight to extend scholarships for Gold Star families and fund critical Veterans' programs, such as the Joseph P. Dwyer Project and Helmets to Hardhats. Finally, Long Island's public schools are top notch - and I want to keep it that way. As a product of public school myself, I am a supporter of a strong public education system. I believe in local control of our schools where our teachers can teach free from Albany's interference. I also pledge to fight for our fair share of education funding.

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

I spent over 7 years working alongside our current Assemblyman, Andrew Garbarino (5 of those years as Chief of Staff). During that time, I resolved thousands of constituent cases, helped pass legislation and secure grants to benefit our communities, and worked with local organizations to support their missions. When we were hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, I worked around the clock to help our constituents complete and receive their unemployment claims. I've also served as a Director of the Town of Islip Community Development Agency (CDA) for over two years. CDA helps families buy their first homes, clean ups blight in our neighborhoods, and offers financial assistance to local nonprofit organizations. I'm incredibly proud of the way our organization stepped up to help during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. We provided PPE to local organizations, funded emergency childcare services for first responders and essential workers, and gave grants to local non-profits to help with COVID-related expenses. I'm ready to hit the ground running and continue working for the great people of the 7th District.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Growing up, one of my football coaches said to me "you can't always control what happens; but you can control how you respond." This has always stuck with me as a reminder to stay composed, regroup, and keep going in the face of adversity.

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

I care deeply about Long Island, and I'll always do what is right by our community. I'll work tirelessly to serve the 7th District and make sure you have a strong voice in Albany. I want to make life better for my constituents, and I'm willing to work with anyone to accomplish that goal.