Meet The Candidates: Steven Polgar For New York State Assembly

This November, Long Island residents will be hitting the polls to exercise their right to vote. While voters will be electing the president on Election Day, November 3, they will also be choosing their local representatives. In New York, state and federal races will also be on the ballot.

Steve Polgar, 37, of Medford is a Democrat running to represent the 3rd District in the New York State Assembly. He is facing off against incumbent Joseph DeStefano, a Republican who is also running on the Independence line, and Adam Martin, a Libertarian.

He was awarded Bachelor of Science from Delaware Valley University and is currently enrolled in Quantic School of Business. He currently works as an insurance adjuster and has not previously held public office.

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've dedicated my life to public service. In high school, I volunteered to teach computer skills to seniors. While in college I created the Children’s Learning Foundation, which funded educational programs and teacher projects. Since then, I’ve spent my time raising money for several charities including the Red Cross, the American Cancer Society and the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
I’m proud to have been recognized for my work by both President George W. Bush and President Barack Obama. Now more than ever our district needs leaders who will step up and fight for each and every resident.

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

The coronavirus pandemic. It has caused a public health crisis, a budget crisis and the decline of small businesses, which are the backbone of our economy. When I am in Albany, I will fight for funding from day one. I will be sponsoring a “Rebuild Main Street” initiative to secure tax credits and much needed grants to help struggling businesses and to give incentives to those wanting to start a business.

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

The most critical difference between me and my opponent is the fact that I will actually fight for this district, while the current assemblymen does not. He has shown time and time again that he won't fight for the resources the third assembly district desperately needs.

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

The current assemblymen has proven time and time again that he has no desire to actually represent us, whether that be through his votes to shut off utilities and kick people out of their homes during the pandemic, to keep guns in the hands or his lack of action on crucial public health issues such as the landfill. My district needs a leader who will actually fight for our community, a leader who will do more than through photo-ops. I’m not a politician, I’m not in this race for personal gain.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Fight for small business: Steve will fight for small business owners to receive tax credits and grants for hiring workers or creating new opportunities right here on Long Island. He will prioritize for those impacted by COVID ensuring small businesses, which account for 40 percent of businesses in Suffolk, get back on their feet.

Protect our environment: Steve will be a driving force to make Long Island a hub of green energy by investing in solar and wind technologies. He will work with the EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers to secure our. shorelines, while creating a long-term solution to Brookhaven’s local landfill crisis here in our backyard.

Reimagine state education. Steve will improve the formulas for funding schools to ensure quality education for all children. He will fight for flexible return-to-school options and ensure that virtual options can be put in place. He believes quality education is a right not a privilege.

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

President’s Volunteer Service Award from President George W. Bush
Youngest recipient of the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award from President Obama
Founded volunteer charity to fund educational programs/teacher projects
Champion for charities. Raised and secured funding for several charities for cancer research,
emergency services and health assistance
Business leader in insurance and finance

The best advice ever shared with me was:

"The purpose of life is to contribute in some way to making things better."

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

As your next assemblymen, I will fight for the working class people of my district. They deserve an assemblymen who fights for them.