NYC General Election 2020: Senator Addabbo Vies For Re-Election

OZONE PARK, QUEENS — Voters in Queens' 15th Senate district, which covers a stripe of Central Queens from Forest Hills all the way to the Rockaway Peninsula, will see two names on their ballots when they vote in the Nov. 3 election.

Incumbent state Sen. Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr., is running for re-election against Republican challenger Thomas P. Sullivan. It is Sullivan's second attempt to unseat Addabbo.

Addabbo, an Ozone Park resident, was first elected to the New York Senate in 2008. He previously served as a member of the New York City Council.

Addabbo is running to continue representing the 15th Senate District, which includes parts of Broad Channel, Elmhurst, Forest Hills, Glendale, Hamilton Beach, Howard Beach, Kew Gardens, Kew Gardens Hills, Maspeth, Middle Village, Ozone Park, Rego Park, Richmond Hill, Ridgewood, South Ozone Park, Woodhaven, Woodside and most of the Rockaways.

Patch reached out to all candidates in the election to create these profiles.

All New York voters may request a mail-in ballot due to the coronavirus pandemic. For those who want to head to the polls, click here to find your poll site. Early voting is available until Nov. 1.

Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr.

Age as of Election Day (Nov. 3)

56

NYC neighborhood of residence

Ozone Park

Position Sought

State Senate

Party Affiliation

Democratic

Family

My wife Dawn and my daughters, Alexis and Arianna

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Nativity BVM, Archbishop Molloy HS, St. John's University (B.S.- Accounting), Touro Law School (Juris Doctorate)

Occupation

NYS Senator (2009-Present)

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

NYC Council (2002-2008)

Campaign website

Joeaddabboforsenate.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

To continue my efforts in assisting others as together we navigate through the COVID pandemic, work towards improving conditions in our community and address any quality of life issue that concerns my constituents.

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

Dealing with the unprecedented COVID virus and its devastating affect on the health and daily lives of my constituents, including our schools, and negative economic impact, especially on our local businesses. I have been using my experiences, such as dealing with the Forest Hills macroburst of 2010 and Superstorm Sandy in 2012, to seek the resources needed on a city, state and federal level to address any virus related issue.

What are your thoughts on the state and national response to the coronavirus pandemic? Do you favor such measures as limiting operation of non-essential businesses or restricting indoor/outdoor dining? And do you favor a nationwide mask mandate?

I believe COVID related decisions on any level of government should take in to account the input of local electeds, who relay the health interests and concerns of our constituency. I have advocated for the safe expansion of operation for local non-essential businesses and restaurants in an effort to resume our local employment and economies. I believe each state is impacted differently by the pandemic, so I do not believe a national mask mandate is rational.

How would you address the concerns of the Black Lives Matter movement, and what are your thoughts on the demonstrations held since the death of George Floyd and the shooting of Jacob Blake?

I believe all protests should be done in a respectful, non-violent, non-destructive, and legal manner. I have been an advocate against discrimination and have helped pass legislation to address this issue.

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

In my campaigns, I generally do not speak of my opponents, but solely focus on utilizing my experience as a full-time State Senator to work towards improving the lives of my constituents.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

N/A

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

My platform is based on issues I have dealt with in the past such as improving the educational system for our students, public safety, the environment, transportation, assisting our veterans, seniors, the disabled and local businesses, along with the ability to work on fiscally challenged budgets. To provide my constituents with access to my services, by continuing my 24/7 live operator service for my 3 district offices, mobile office hours throughout the district and personally answering my emails.

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

Using my Accounting skills to legislatively deal with the worst city budget (2002) and state budgets (2009 and 2020). By continuing my near-perfect attendance in Albany, utilizing my skills as a former practicing attorney to draft and pass legislation that benefits my district and the state. Locally resolving issues related to 9/11 (2001), macroburst (2010), Superstorm Sandy (2012), Tropical Storm Isaias (2020) and COVID-19 (2020).

The best advice ever shared with me was:

To try to help anyone who seeks my assistance, by looking at their issue through their eyes, not mine.

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

I am grateful that the residents of the 15th Senate District have given me the privilege and honor to represent them. In return, I try to be the best full-time State Senator that they deserve. Thank you.