Allen Steinhardt challenges Gregory Meeks

In seeking his ninth two-year term, Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-St. Albans) defeated fellow Democrat Joe Marthone in a June primary, is not facing a true Republican challenger, but in the general election he is being opposed by Rockaway Park resident Allen Steinhardt, who is running on the “Allen for Congress” line. If elected, Steinhardt said you would most likely caucus with the Republicans.
The 5th Congressional District includes much of southwest Queens and Inwood, north and south Valley Stream and Elmont.

Herald: Would you vote for “boots on the ground” in the conflict with Islamic State militants?

Meeks: No American boots, it sends the wrong message that we are against Sunni Muslims. There has to be a multi-faceted effort from Saudi Arabia, Quarter, Turkey and other nations; troops with ‘skin in the game.’

Steinhardt: We have no choice but to put boots on the ground. We cannot allow the Islamic State to grow and fester. We have to eliminate this thing.

Herald: What more has to be done to rebuild after Hurricane Sandy?

Meeks: We need to get the money from the Build it Back program in the city to people and the government has to get money to Nassau and Suffolk. We need the Army Corps of Engineers to do beach replenishment and build up the sand dunes.

Steinhardt: We have to cut the red tape from the Build it Back program and get people back in their homes in Broad Channel and Breezy Point. We need the boardwalk rebuilt.

Herald: What is your view on the Affordable Health Act?

Meeks: More people are now covered, there is substantially more access to health care and the overall cost has decreased.

Steinhardt: We need to come with a way that big corporations, who are making money on the backs of citizens, pay their fair share to take the burden off middle class families and small business owners.

Herald: Why should people vote for you?

Meeks: [Because my constituents] know I work for them, and I stay attuned to what is happening in the community.

Steinhardt: I want to help people and what them to know that door will always be open. I will get an answer for you on your issue and not shut people out.

Gregory Meeks

Democrat

Age: 61:
Live in: St. Albans
Career: Lawyer, elected to Congress in 1998
Family: Married, three daughters

Allen Steinhardt
Allen for Congress

Age: 54
Live in: Rockaway Park
Career: General contractor
Family: Married, no children