Candidate Profile: Gisondi For State Senate District 34

WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NY - New Yorkers in the southernmost part of Westchester County will choose their representative for State Senate Nov. 3 in the 2020 general election.

James B. Gisondi is running on the Republican line in the race for New York State Senate in District 34. The district covers parts of Pelham, New Rochelle, Mount Vernon and Eastchester, and part of the Bronx.

His opponent, state Sen. Alessandria Biaggi, is a first-term New York state lawmaker. She won in 2018 after defeating longtime incumbent Jeff Klein in the Democratic primary. Klein had alienated many in his party by creating the Independent Democratic Conference, a group of senators who for a time rejected the party leadership and allied themselves with Senate Republicans.

Gisondi, 58, is an attorney. He received his law degree from CUNY Law School. A Democrat, he ran against Biaggi in the Democratic primary in June. In November he will appear on the Republican line.

Check out Patch's full Q&A with XX:

Why are you seeking elective office?

To serve my community, counter the progressive socialist agenda of Sen. Biaggi and the JV Squad in Albany, and bring as much funds back to my district

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

Police brutality, downsize the police force and scope of their job. Reform recruitment and training in academy, educate the public about policing.

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

I'm a common sense Democrat that wants reasonable and measured steps to move New York forward versus Sen. Biaggi who pretends to be a Democrat, but is a Working Family Party member, who is a progressive socialist activist not a legislator, and is using the courts and legislation to practice social engineering.

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

A legislator works for their districts, delivers constituent services, maintains and improves the quality of life for their district, maintain/ oversee city services delivered to their districts, and promotes economic development for the businesses both large and small. Fund all not for profit agencies programs. Block any legislation or initiatives that harm my district. Sen. Biaggi has NOT done that!

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

Owner occupied 2- to 4-family homes should be excluded from the tenants rights legislation, requiring 90 day notice before you can proceed to housing court to obtain possession of your property. Under legislation I will propose, these 2- to -family homes will be excluded, a 10 day notice is served and both parties are in court to resolve this housing issue.

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

I served on community Board 11 for six years, attended 2 major Democratic conventions and was proud to nominate and vote for Carl McCall. the 1st African American gubernatorial party nominee. And Hillary Clinton. the 1st woman to run and win as U.S Senator from New York.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Treat people the same way you want to be treated.

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

If elected, I will serve as a full time legislator. No activism or 2nd job.