NYC Primary Election 2020: Catherine Nolan Defends Assembly Seat

LONG ISLAND CITY, QUEENS — Democrats in western Queens will get to cast a ballot this month in a collection of local, state and federal primary races — including the 37th Assembly District, where state Assembly Member Catherine Nolan will defend her seat against challengers Danielle Brecker and Mary Jobaida.

Nolan was first elected to the state Assembly in 1984. She was appointed deputy speaker in 2018 and spent 12 years as the Assembly's education chair. She has also chaired the Assembly's banks committee and labor committee and served as representative to the MTA Capital Program Review Board. She received a bachelor's degree in political science from New York University. She lives in Ridgewood.

The 37th Assembly District includes Astoria, Long Island City, Ridgewood, Sunnyside and Woodside.

• READ MORE: Danielle Brecker Looks To Unseat Nolan

The primary election, slated for June 23, is open to registered Democratic voters. All New York voters may request a mail-in ballot due to the coronavirus pandemic. Ballots must be postmarked by the date of the election for the vote to get counted.

For those who want to head to the polls, click here to find your poll site. Early voting is available from June 13 to June 21.

Patch reached out to all candidates in the primary election to create these profiles. Responses have been lightly edited for clarity.

Catherine Nolan

Age as of Election Day (Nov. 3)

62

NYC neighborhood of residence

Ridgewood

Position Sought

State Assembly

Party Affiliation

Democrat

Family

My husband, Gerry, and son, Nicholas. My son is a proud graduate of P.S. 78, Louis Armstrong Middle School and Aviation High School. I am a graduate of St. Aloysius and Grover Cleveland High School, both in Ridgewood.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

NYU bachelor's degree in political science

Occupation

Assemblywoman for the 37th Assembly District

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Assemblywoman for the 37th Assembly District

Campaign website

nolanforassembly2020.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

I care deeply about our communities in western Queens. I know what it takes to fight for our families. Paid family leave, justice for the vulnerable, fairer laws for tenants, NYS funding for for schools, subways, buses and NYCHA are all issues I have advocated for successfully and want to continue to work on for our district.

The single most pressing issue facing our nation/state/community is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The single most pressing issue facing our nation/state/community is working for our city, and making it more affordable and fairer for everyone. Protecting tenants, funds for education, and assisting families to get past the COVID-19 pandemic.

For the first time in decades, Democrats have majority control over the NYS legislature. During this time, especially with the current President, it is vital that representatives demonstrate leadership. As a legislative body, the State Assembly must continue to seize on this moment to bring about progressive change, especially in the absence of federal action. Stronger gun safety laws, pushing our state forward on climate change, supporting women's reproductive rights, LGBT rights and racial justice.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

My experience listening to all voices in our very diverse district. Working in government requires the ability to take into consideration many facts, how it effects our community and compromise. In tough times we need leaders who are present in our community, knowledgeable about Albany and can push forward positive change. I respect all in our district and never "go negative" towards any opponents.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

This year we responded to COVID-19 by expanding paid family leave (A. 10153 Nolan chapter 25 of laws of , 2020) Two issues among many , I continue to play a role in include education and family rights, including the Safe and Supportive Schools Act- A1981. My work on behalf of the most vulnerable in our state to finally bring collective bargaining rights to farm workers, an issue that was worked on for many years, is also something that will continue. Rights for women. Anti-bullying programs like dignity for all students is another priority. Support for public health and public transit.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

As one of the very first female members of the NYS legislature to become a mom and continue to run for re-election I believe I helped pave the way for other women to combine family and career. I was the very first woman to chair the NYS labor committee, which is where my work on paid family leave began, I also worked to save workers compensation and unemployment insurance, pushed successfully for increases in the minimum wage and many issues helping working people. As the first Democratic woman to chair the education committee I increased education funding, fought for over $300 million to remove substandard trailers as classrooms and build schools instead. I led the successful negotiations for Pre-K for all. The first woman to do so.

My record is open and transparent. Mobile district offices, state fairs and outreach all demonstrate my commitment to our community and bring accomplishments helping people. My work is my record

I worked on and passed paid leave during the COVID-19 crisis while also working to get masks, gowns, hand sanitizer, medical supplies, and testing for my district. Simultaneously, my office has worked hard to connect hundreds of my constituents with the Department of Labor.
I fought for the MTA Citizen Member Bill which allowed for more transparency on the MTA board, Marriage Equality, student data privacy, and tenant protections.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

The right things for the right reasons the right way.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I love what I do, as a member of the grassroots Ridgewood Democratic Club, longtime member of the Astoria-LIC NAACP, Sunnyside Kiwanis and many other groups, I help organize and educate our communities. I work as a team with Diane Ballek, Ian Magerkuth, Deirdre Feerick, labor leader Michael McGuire, Corinne Haynes Wood and a diverse slate of community leaders.
I would like voters to know that I am fighting for them because I know them. I have lived in Ridgewood my entire life and have a strong connection to the rest of the district. I can be a successful representative because I know the people and the issues that affect my district. I see firsthand what my constituents need to be addressed because I am a long-time, active resident of our community.