Election 2015

Two from East Meadow face off for L.D. 13

Republican incumbent Norma Gonsalves challenged by Eileen Napolitano, a Democrat

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Nine-term incumbent Norma Gonsalves is being challenged in the 13th Legislative District by political newcomer Eileen Napolitano.

Gonsalves, a Republican from East Meadow who has represented the district since 1997, says it is the continued support she receives from her constituents that has motivated her to keep going. She has also served as the Legislature’s presiding officer since 2012.

Her Democratic challenger, Napolitano, an optician who also lives in East Meadow, said she is running because she believes the district could benefit from a fresh face.

The 13th Legislative district includes East Meadow, North Bellmore, North Merrick, and parts of North Wantagh and Seaford.

The Herald asked the candidates why they think they are best suited to serve in the Legislature, and what they see as the biggest issues facing their district.

Herald:
Since becoming presiding officer in 2012, what impact do you believe you have made in the Legislature?

Norma Gonsalves: I think perhaps my most important contribution has been to help advance an agenda in a very challenging economic environment that has frozen property taxes for five years, cut hundreds of millions of dollars in spending, brought crime to its lowest levels in 30 years and promoted large-scale economic development and job-creation initiatives that have created over 20,000 jobs and injected hundreds of millions of dollars into our local economy. What I’m most proud of is that I was able to help accomplish some very major initiatives, such as the redevelopment of Nassau Coliseum and the rebuilding of the Bay Park Sewage Treatment Plant. by working in bipartisan cooperation with my colleagues in the Legislature.

Herald: Why do you feel you are best suited to serve the 13th Legislative District?

Eileen Napolitano: I will listen to the residents and be an advocate for the community. The many problems facing the county — inability to balance the budget, pay-to-play contracting, lack of transparency — show that it’s time for a change.

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