Candidate Profile: Jillian Guthman For Huntington Receiver Of Taxes

HUNTINGTON, NY — Jillian Guthman is the incumbent for the Huntington receiver of taxes position. Voters will decide between her and Republican challenger Pamela Velastegui on Nov. 7.

Patch reached out to all candidates to hear where they stand on important issues affecting the community.

Here are the responses for those who participated. The answers have been lightly edited for clarity.

Name

Jillian Guthman

How old will you be as of Election Day?

53

Does your campaign have a website? If so, include the URL here.

What city or town do you live in?

Melville

What office are you seeking?

Re-election as Receiver of Taxes

If you are running in a district, you can specify the district here.

Party affiliation.

Democratic and Working families Party

Education.

Juris Doctor - Touro Law Center

What is your occupation?

Attorney of 25+ years

Do you have a family? If so, please tell us about them.

I have a daughter, Zoe, who is 17 years old and attending Half Hollow Hills High School East

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

I am the Receiver of Taxes for Huntington.

Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective?

ADA for Suffolk County District Attorney's Office 1995-1997; Assistant Town Attorney 1998-2003 and Deputy Town Attorney for Huntington 2003-2005; Principal Attorney for Hempstead Village 2005-2007; concurrently served as Director of Human Services/ EEO Officer/ Labor Trainer for Huntington 2007 to 2017; Receiver of Taxes November 2017 to date.

Now we'd like to ask a few questions about your reasons for running and your general views on politics and government. First, why are you seeking this office?

I love serving the residents of Huntington. I'm committed to providing exemplary constituent service. I'm dedicated to running an effective, efficient and accessible office that is responsive to the residents providing information on available resources and making the process of paying property taxes as convenient and pleasant as possible.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is \_\_\_, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is the high cost of living. Property taxes are a substantial part of the financial burden. As the Receiver of Taxes, I make sure that residents are aware of the available exemptions, the grievance procedure and applicable outside resources.

What needs to be done to address water quality issues on LI?

Improved infrastructure to reduce water runoff and sewer system expansion.

What do you think can be done to help improve our infrastructure, highways, etc?

Less temporary patching and more replacement.

How would you plan to help local business owners, who are struggling because of high rents, inflation and labor shortages?

Reduce permitting fees for starting new businesses.

What is your stance on the current migrant situation affecting New York? And migrants were to be directed to shelters on Long Island, how would you prepare/plan for that?

The numbers are overwhelming. Coordination with not-for-profits.

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

I have a record of public service in significant roles. I am currently serving in the capacity of Receiver of Taxes having been elected 2 times and I have executed the duties effectively with true dedication.

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

Town's allocation of resources to improving technology platform.

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

My record in the position.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Don't ask anyone to do something you are not willing to do yurself.

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