Meet The Candidates: Victoria Johnson For State Senate

ROCKVILLE CENTRE, NY — Nov. 3 is Election Day in the United States. And while the presidential race is dominating the headlines, there are many down-ballot races that are also incredibly important. These races will shape the makeup of Congress, as well as New York's Senate and Assembly.

Republican Victoria Johnson is challenging incumbent Democrat Todd Kaminsky for his seat representing the 9th Senate District.

The 9th Senate District includes Long Beach, Lido Beach, Point Lookout, the Five Towns, Valley Stream, Oceanside, Rockville Centre, Baldwin, Lynbrook, Malverne, East Rockaway, West Hempstead and portions of Elmont.

Johnson, a 60-year-old from Rockville Centre, used to work in the state Assembly, serving as chief of staff and office assistant to Assembly representatives there. She resigned her position to run for Senate.

Patch reached out to the candidates to get more information about them. Here's what Johnson said:

Why are you seeking elective office?

I am disillusioned and concerned with the direction New York is heading. It is disheartening to see the violence in New York state since the inception of the new bail and discovery laws enacted by the Democrats. People want to feel safe in their homes and neighborhoods. We need common sense legislation.

Additionally, our taxes are out of control and need to be addressed. Our young people are leaving in droves because they cannot afford to live on Long Island. We need to run a government that lives within its means. The state needs to rein in its spending.

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

The new bail/discovery laws — I will fight to have them repealed and then revisit the issue. I would work to have our law enforcement's concerns seriously considered, which they were not in these laws. We need to balance fair criminal justice with protections for our officers and victims.

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

My opponent co-authored the changes to the bail laws, voted to repeal 50-A, and voted against additional police protections that Republicans introduced. He has been silent as chaos reins in the boroughs and around the state. I would support law enforcement and not tie their hands when dealing with criminals. I would not make bail laws that allow criminals to be placed back on the streets so they can commit more crimes.

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

He has failed his district in multiple ways:

1. He co-authored bail reform and voted for it
2. He voted for the new discovery laws that endanger victims and witnesses
3. He voted for the $1 billion commuter tax that will hurt Long Islanders who travel into the city by car
4. He voted for every tax increase in the budget when Long Island is already highly overtaxed.

Additionally, he has remained silent on the defunding of the police and the nursing home deaths of approximately 6,000 elderly residents. In his silence, he has taken a stand to not confront the governor or his party on issues that his constituents feel strongly about. That is not a leader; that is politician with an agenda that doesn't include doing what is right for those who voted him into office.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

I support law enforcement and all first responders; will work to repeal the new bail laws; believe in terms limits; and will work to obtain more school aid for Long Island.

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

My common-sense approach to government, a dedication to honoring my commitments, and an ability to responsibly manage a budget are qualities that qualify me for public office. My unwavering determination to keep our families safe and fight all efforts to defund our police will help ensure the suburban tranquility that neighbors deserve. Additionally, I have volunteered in the fight to assist our region recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. My experience in state government has given me a solid understanding of issues confronting New York.

What better experience is there for assuming public office than managing a budget? While New York faces a $30 billion budget hole, my family's books are balanced. The governor and Senate Democrats like to blame the pandemic for the state's deficit; however, New York's government confronted an estimated $10 billion budget imbalance before the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout my life, I have managed to live within my means, before and during the coronavirus. Unfortunately, my opponent has proven to be part of New York's tax and spend problem.

With regard to keeping families safe, I am the daughter of a retired NYPD officer. I have pledged to oppose defunding the police and I will fight to repeal bail reform, which has resulted in thousands of dangerous criminals being dumped onto our streets to wreak havoc again. My opponent has presented himself as a tough-on-crime prosecutor; however, he is one of the architects behind the new bail laws that have resulted in skyrocketing crime and chaos.

During my tenure on the staff of the state legislature, I have gained a solid knowledge of state issues about which our residents care. From controlling taxes and spending to keeping our families safe and responsibly opening our society, I have the credentials and credibility that residents of the 9th Senate District deserve.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Never forget where you came from.

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

I will be an advocate for Long Island in Albany, and I will work tirelessly to reverse the damage done by my opponent and his party in the last two years.