Candidate Profile: James Gisondi For State Senate, District 34

HUDSON VALLEY, NY - New Yorkers will be hitting the polls on June 23 for the primary election to choose who will be in the general election in November.

Among the local races, some residents of the Hudson Valley will be able to choose between Democrats seeking the line on the ballot, including in the 34th Senate District, which is comprised of parts of the Bronx and southern Westchester.

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.

James B. Gisondi is seeking the Democratic line on the ballot in November. His opponent in the June 23 primary is incumbent Alessandra Biaggi, who is seeking a second term in the district held for many years by Jeffrey Klein.

Gisondi, an attorney, served two terms as a State Committeeman in the Democratic party, representing the 80th Assembly District. The 57-year-old Bronx resident graduated from CUNY School of Law.

Check out Patch's full Q&A with James Gisondi:

Why are you seeking elective office?

To give the 34th senatorial district a better choice.

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

Police reform, bring a common sense approach to policing reforms. not rushing to pass bad legislation for the sake of just doing something.

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

I'm a traditional Democrat, where as my opponent is a progressive socialist.

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

Failed to fund community organizations and voted for poorly drafted legislation.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

Amend tenant reform legislation that adversely affects owner occupied 2 & 3 family homes, amend bail reform legislation. funding for small businesses, rent & mortgage forgiveness due to Covid 19 epidemic.

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

Served on community planning Bd 10 as chairman of Land Use, and as treasury/ secretary of executive committee. Voted in 2 state democratic conventions for the 1st black gubernatorial candidate in NYS history Carl MaCaul and for 1st woman for U.S. Senate from NYS, Hillary Clinton.

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?

I'm not a professional politician, but I am a lifelong advocate for my community.