Brooklyn State Senator Candidate Profile: Vito LaBella

BROOKLYN, NY — Vito LaBella, 62, a Republican and a former lieutenant in the New York Police Department, is running for State Senator in District 26, which includes Downtown Brooklyn, DUMBO, Park Slope, Carroll Gardens, Gowanus, Red Hook, Sunset Park, Bay Ridge and Dyker Heights, in Brooklyn's general election on Tuesday, Nov. 5.

LaBella worked for the NYPD for 32 years. Now, he is the Education and Public Safety Officer for Assemblymember Lester Chang, who represents parts of Sunset Park and Bensonhurst. He was president of IS 187's parent-teacher organization from 2017 to 2022, and served on parent organizations at all three of his children's schools, he said. LaBella also co-founded PLACE NYC, a parent advocacy organization.

Patch recently asked LaBella four questions about his campaign and district. See his replies below.

EDITOR'S NOTE: The following article contains information about one of several candidates who have announced their campaigns for Brooklyn offices in the 2024 general election. Patch has contacted the other candidates with the same questions and will post replies as they are received.

PATCH: What are your qualifications to run for office?

LABELLA: My NYPD experience, my community and education advocacy. My work with Lester Chang and the Brooklyn Republican and Conservative Parties.

PATCH: What are the key issues in your district that you'd tackle in office? How would you tackle them?

LABELLA: Crime and Quality of Life: Amend, not repeal many of the flawed Criminal Justice Laws, such as Bail Reform, Clean Slate, Discovery, Cannabis Legalization, etc.

Migrant Crisis: Ensure that migrant children are receiving the healthcare and education that they need.

End Sanctuary City and State Status. Allow the City and State to cooperate with ICE when it comes to violent and repeat offenders.

Cost of Living: Reduce regulation and give targeted tax incentives to businesses.

PATCH: What sets you apart from the other candidate?

LABELLA: Unlike my opponent, who does not make any attempt to listen to constituents who differ politically from him, I will listen to all points of view and make specific choices that represent the wills of the people in each specific community.

PATCH: What is one thing that always makes you smile about your district?

LABELLA: Any hour of the day or night, I can find any kind of food that happens to interest me.