Candidate Profile: Chris Burdick Seeks Reelection To NYS Assembly

Chris Burdick

Campaign website

BurdickForAssembly

City or town of residence

Bedford

Office sought

NYS Assembly, 93rd District

Party affiliation

Democrat

Education

B.A. in Economics and History from the University of California at Berkeley; Masters in International Studies from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies; Juris Doctorate from Seton Hall Law School.

Occupation

NYS Assemblymember (1 year, 10 months)

Family

My wife Illyria and I have been married for 37 years. We have three adult children and two adorable granddaughters.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

My niece, Natalia Hussey-Burdick, is running for State House, District 50, in Hawaii.

Age

71

Previous public office, appointive or elective

I served as Bedford Town Supervisor from January 2014 through December 2020. Before that, I served on the Bedford Town Board from January 2008 through December 2013.

Why are you seeking this office?

As I complete my first term in office, I am seeking re-election because I love the work that I do representing the 93rd Assembly District. As an Assemblymember, I have prioritized being attentive and responsive to constituents who reach out to my office with issues or problems. I have successfully secured grants for all the municipalities in my district, as well as many of the community-based organizations doing amazing work with our most vulnerable populations. I also have successfully introduced, gotten passed, and pressed for the enactment of laws that reflect the shared values of my district.

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

As we come from opposite sides of the aisle, we most likely have differing views on a great many things; however, I am not focused on our differences, rather I am running on my experience and my record of success. I have a solid record of delivering for those I represent, often working alongside officials across the political spectrum. The over 10 years of experience I gained, first as a Bedford Town Board Member and then as Town Supervisor, allowed me to hit the ground running as soon as I entered the Assembly last year. I also have been able to take the relationships I cultivated at all levels of government during that time, and put them to good use on behalf of my constituents.

If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?

N/A

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

With the overturning of Roe v. Wade and the direction of the US Supreme Court, state government is more important than ever. With a 100% pro-choice voting record, I will stress the need to enshrine a woman’s right to choose in the NYS Constitution. With mass shootings occurring with greater frequency, common-sense gun safety legislation is critical. I will continue to adamantly support this. I will also strongly encourage people to flip their ballot over and vote in favor of the Green Jobs, Clean Air, and Clean Water Bond.

Regardless, I will always listen and be respectful of those in my district who may disagree with me, and serve them as best as possible.

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

I have been doing this job for almost 2 years, and it has been some of the most rewarding and gratifying work of my life. I am proud of helping to secure record funding for public education, thereby helping to maintain the excellence of our schools and holding down property taxes, accelerating the middle-class tax cuts so that the rates are the lowest in 70 years, and helping to get the Clean Air, Clean Water and Green Jobs Bond on the ballot. I am also proud that a number of pieces of legislation I introduced were signed into law by the Governor, including the FIRE HATE Act to protect the rights of women who come to New York seeking reproductive health care (including abortions), and legislation aimed at improving employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Most importantly, I am proud of the work I have done to help my constituents compassionately and quickly when they reach out to me with issues or problems.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Be nice to everyone.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

It is a great honor and privilege to represent the 93rd Assembly District in the NYS Assembly. Should I be re-elected, I will continue to work tirelessly as your full-time Assemblymember doing my utmost to get results for the communities I serve. Please visit www.burdickforassembly.com if you need any further information about me or my priorities in the Assembly.