Solges, Fleurima vie in 3rd Legislative District

Valley Stream resident and Republican challenger, Dr. Bernadin Fleurima, is racing this election season against Democratic Legislator Carrie Solages for Nassau County’s 3rd Legislative District.
Solages, 42, of Lawrence, is seeking his sixth term in office. Fleurima, a pastor, is running his first time for the 3rd District seat. Ahead of Election Day on Nov. 2, the Herald asked each candidate questions pertinent to their vision for the district to see where each one stands on the issues.

Herald: Despite an all-around increase in affluence, how do you plan to better address those pockets of severely underserved residents in your communities with low social and economic status who suffer a lack of access to healthcare and education?

Solages: Addressing the needs of underserved residents has been a priority in my leadership as Legislator, especially as it relates to addressing health disparities. At the start of the pandemic in January 2020, there were many national reports that predicted that Covid-19 would be devastating on minority communities who already suffer from significant health disparities including higher rates of cancer, heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and other health issues. The minority community suffered during the pandemic due to lack of access to resources as well as historical and cultural factors. That is why I made it a priority to create or further support new health care facilities in my district. During the pandemic, I had a close working relationship with the Elmont Health Center which is a federal qualified health center. I organized several Covid-19 test drives, vaccine distributions and health fares with the health center. I also brought test and vaccine sites to the Five Towns through the Five Towns Community Center which is a county facility. In order to address the ongoing health needs of the Inwood community in which we see the fastest growing population of Latinos in Nassau County, I am seeking to have the lease of the community center extended and a new health care site or clinic placed there. I have had several planning meetings with the County Executive’s team on this issue and look forward to solidifying these plans in the coming months.

Fleurima: Health conditions, disability and unhealthy behaviors can all have an effect on educational outcomes. Poor health not only results from low education, but it can also cause educational setbacks and interfere with schooling. My office will work with the appropriate agencies to ensure that everyone has access to healthcare and education. We believe that we have the means to do it. We can do this.

Herald: How would you help ensure that your constituents benefit as much as they can from the Belmont Arena project?

Solages: The Belmont Arena Project presents a major opportunity for development and economic revitalization for Elmont and the greater Nassau County community. In order to make sure that the project is a benefit and not a burden for the community that I represent, I advocated for a fully functional train station. I am happy to see that the State has constructed a station there, however, the north-side of the project is a fair distance away from Elmont, a largely working-class community. To improve access, I am advocating for a rapid bus transfer system with the Nassau Inter-County Express Bus company in partnership with the State to make sure that residents can connect from Hempstead Turnpike to the train station for a more efficient commute. In addition, a community center and job training program can be sponsored and funded by the developer.
I have also advocated that the developer creates a down-town Elmont Beautification Improvement Bureau. In many areas where we see commercial development, the developer and local government support such entities that are responsible for litter removal, beautification efforts, and providing local jobs. Litter removal, debris, and other quality of life issues are very important to the constituents that I serve. I have led petition drives, press conferences, and other methods that focus on organizing the community with one clear voice demanding that the State and the developer do right by the community. I am asking constituents to continue advocating for a community center, which is part of the developer’s plan but is still not yet a reality.

Fleurima: The Belmont Arena Project will undoubtedly create jobs, and I hope that priority will be given to the district residents. After extensive community outreach and numerous public hearings, we identified a critical need for improved mass transit and a full service of the Long Island Railroad station to serve the community. I look forward to continuing to work with our constituents to ensure that this project brings tangible results and the benefits that our community needs and that our residents deserve.

Herald: Residents want to know they are safe in their communities. What are your plans to assist in reducing crime, promote traffic safety and increase continued Covid vaccination awareness?

Solages: Traffic and road safety has been and continues to be a priority in my role as Legislator. I have advocated for and secured infrastructure improvements across my district that will make our communities safer and improve our quality of life. A major component of this work has focused on road repaving and traffic safety. The County recently completed resurfacing on a nearly mile-long span of North Central Avenue in Valley Stream between Hendrickson Avenue and the Southern State Parkway—the centerpiece of an aggressive road-repaving schedule for Valley Stream’s County roads. Portions of Hungry Harbor Road and Mill Road were completed as well. The County is continuing its work to implement recommended traffic-calming recommendations from the January 2020 Elmont Traffic  & Pedestrian Safety Project. 
With regards to reducing crime, I am proud to say that the third district gained two new PALS (Police Activity League) programs, more than any other legislative district. That was due our partnership with the County Executive who is committed to assisting our community by improving our relationship with local law enforcement. I have led the efforts to equip our Nassau County police officers with body cameras, funded efforts to have more auxiliary police cars in our community to patrol and show a visible law enforcement presence, and I have funded and supported efforts for the use of Shot Spotter [a gunfire locator technology], which has detected gun use in our community, which is a priority due to the rising gun violence in the metro NYC area.
As for Covid-19 vaccination awareness, I have protected my community by organizing several Covid test and vaccine distributions. I am thankful to my colleagues in government and the health and nonprofit organizations and churches who’ve helped make it possible and look to continue such efforts as the [pandemic situation unfolds.

Fleurima: Reducing crime requires that we fund the police to get more cops on patrol 24/7. The police department must have the necessary tools to help combat crimes and control the flow of traffic near the Belmont Arena and other hotspots in the third district. I would like to see a police station built nearby to help deter any would-be criminals. With regards to Covid-19, we are encouraging people to get vaccinated to protect themselves and their loved ones from the deadly disease. Covid-19 is still around, and we encourage people to follow the CDC guidelines to keep themselves safe. It’s better to be safe than sorry.