Barra won't seek sixth term

After a decade as state assemblyman in the 14th District, Bob Barra announced that he will not seek a sixth term. He cited health concerns as the reason for his decision.

“I did not reach this decision lightly, or abruptly, but I knew it was time for me to leave,” said Barra, whose district includes the village of Valley Stream. “It is now time to pass the torch to a new generation of lawmaker.”

In his 10 years as state Assemblyman, Barra has enacted legislation to restore state funding for Long Island schools, hospitals and health care centers. He was also instrumental in strengthening sex offender laws and helped pass Father Larry’s Law, which toughened regulations on the purchasing of gun licenses and firearms. The legislation was sought by Barra after a pastor was murdered in Barra’s hometown of Lynbrook in 2002.

Valley Stream Mayor Ed Cahill said Barra has brought the village significant funding for a downtown revitalization project, new lighting at the pool complex and other improvements. “He has been a big help to the village,” Cahill said. “He’ll be missed.”

District 24 Superintendent Dr. Edward Fale said Barra is highly supportive of education, and has always fought to get school districts its fair share of funding. Fale said Barra has secured grants for technology, playgrounds and a conflict resolution program. This past year Barra also brought a floor hockey tournament to the district.

“He was very good for kids,” Fale said, “and I’ll miss him on that behalf.”

Even as a private citizen, Barra said he will continue to fight for lower taxes, restoring property tax rebate checks, support job-growth developments like the proposed Lighthouse project, and help keep his beloved New York Islanders on Long Island. He vowed to provide assistance to the next Assembly member, who will be elected in November.

Lynbrook Mayor Brian Curran will be the Republican nominee for Barra’s seat, announced last week at a Nassau County Republican Convention. Curran, 41, a longtime Lynbrook resident, took office as the village’s mayor in 2007.

“Bob has indicated that he was stepping down, and some people asked me if I was interested,” Curran said. “This is a great opportunity to help the local communities with funding.”

Barra thanked 14th District residents for their support, help, and, at times, constructive criticism. He urged them to stay involved to help better their communities. “Keep up the fight for our families,” Barra said. “I know I will.”

Sen. Dean Skelos (R-Rockville Centre) said residents would be losing a great leader, as Barra — who once served as director of Skelos’s state Senate office — always upheld the interests of 14th District residents.

“Assemblyman Barra is a tireless advocate for dozens of charitable organizations here on Long Island, and has been recognized for his exemplary work with schoolchildren throughout his Assembly District,” Skelos said. “By committing his time and energy to these worthy causes, Bob has proven that one person can make a big difference.”

Andrew Hackmack and Mary Malloy contributed to this story.