Candidate Profile: Adam Fischer-Gledhill For NY Assembly Dis. 4

SELDEN, NY — Election Day is right around the corner, and voters will choose between Libertarian challenger Adam Fischer-Gledhill, incumbent Democratic state Assemblyman Steven Englebright and Republican challenger Michael Ross in the general election Nov. 3 for New York state Assembly District 4.

The 4th district covers Setauket, Stony Brook, Port Jefferson, Port Jefferson Station, Terryville, Old Field Village, Poquott Village and Belle Terre Village, as well as parts of Selden, Coram and Gordon Heights.

In anticipation of the election, Patch asked candidates in the contested races to answer questions about their campaigns and will publish candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Here are their answers, lightly edited for clarity.

Adam Fischer-Gledhill

Age as of Election Day (Nov. 3)

34

Town of residence

Selden

Position Sought

State Assembly

Party Affiliation

Libertarian

Family

Father - 63, Mother - 69, Brother - 33

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

Mother - NY OMH

Education

Student majoring in Accounting

Occupation

Candidate

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

None

Campaign website

https://www.facebook.com/VoteForAdam2020

Why are you seeking elective office?

"In order to better serve my community and my state."

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

"The response to Covid-19. The curve has been flattened, and I believe it's time to fully reopen New York before an economic collapse."

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

"One is a 28-year incumbent, the other is a sacrificial lamb for his party. While I provide an alternative to the major party candidates."

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

"The 28-year incumbent has ceded a great amount of power from the assembly to the governor, which might never be returned."

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

"I would like to see general education and special education become more integrated, because school is the time a child will receive the greatest amount of experience with socialization. The kids from both schools would learn a lot by interacting with each other. And I would like to see an end to the 'War on Drugs' and an end to excessive criminalization. Addiction should be treated as a health issue."

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

"I've had many struggles in my life, which I've worked hard to overcome. I believe this has made me a stronger person."

The best advice ever shared with me was:

"What doesn't kill you, makes you smarter."

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

"As a person with Asperger's, I would work to represent an underrepresented section of the population. I would work to educate people and clear the stigma around mental illness and disabilities."