2014 Election coverage

McKevitt faces challenge from Clarke

Q & A with 17th Assembly District candidates

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Assemblyman Tom McKevitt is running for re-election in the 17th Assembly District, a seat he has held for eight years. His challenger is Jonathan Clarke, an attorney from Levittown.

McKevitt, a Republican from East Meadow, won his seat in a special election in February 2006, and has since been re-elected four times. He is the assistant minority leader pro tempore, serving as the third-ranking member of the Assembly Minority Conference.

Clarke, a Democrat, ran last year for Nassau County Legislature in the 15th Legislative District, losing to incumbent Dennis Dunne. He has held positions in the New York State Attorney General’s Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

The 17th Assembly District covers East Meadow and Levittown, as well as parts of Bethpage, Plainedge, Massapequa, Farmingdale and Seaford.

Herald: Why are you running for office and what makes you the best candidate?

McKevitt: I am running to make Long Island and New York better places to live. I am a homeowner and taxpayer, as well as a husband and the father of two young children. I understand the challenges of providing for one’s family, as well as the new requirements for children going through the school system. I know what is needed to help our families on Long Island. New York has had two million people move out of the state in 10 years. We must reduce taxes and provide for a better regulatory environment for businesses to come here and grow. Through my five terms in the Assembly, I have been successful in making sure our local governments receive their fair share from New York state, and I would like to continue that work.

Clarke: I am running for office because I am passionate about keeping Long Island a great place to live and raise a family. Sadly, Long Island is changing rapidly, mostly in a negative direction. Incumbent politicians are scared to rock the boat and lack the will and foresight to create legislation that will create positive change. Since my highest allegiance will be to my constituents, and not my party, I will have the independence that will allow me to do the right thing and not just what is right for “the party.” My opponent’s allegiance is to his party not the people.

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