Candidate Profile: Amanda Field Running For Assembly District 15

NASSAU COUNTY, NY — Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 8. In the 15th Assembly District, Democrat Amanda Field is facing off against Republican Jake Blumencranz to fill Michael Montesano's seat. Montesano stepped down from his position as assemblyman earlier this year to become a district court judge.

The 15th Assembly District includes Bethpage, Brookville, East Norwich, Farmingdale, Glen Cove, Glen Head, Glenwood Landing, Greenvale, Hicksville, Jericho, Lattingtown, Laurel Hollow, Levittown, Locust Valley, Matinecock, Mill Neck, Muttontown, Old Bethpage,Old Brookville, Old Westbury, Oyster Bay, Oyster Bay Cove, Plainedge, Plainview, Salisbury, Syosset, Roslyn Harbor, Upper Brookville and Woodbury.

Early voting starts on Oct. 29. You can check your voter registration and find your polling place by clicking here.

In anticipation of the election, Patch asked candidates in the races to answer questions about their campaigns. Here are their answers, lightly edited for clarity.

Name

Amanda Field

Campaign website

https://electamandafield.com

City or town of residence

Old Bethpage

Office sought

New York State Assembly Dis

Party affiliation

Democrat

Education

BFA Communication Design, Syracuse University

Occupation

Commissioner of Water and Business Executive

Family

I have a son that graduated last year from Plainview-Old Bethpage JFK HS who is spending his freshman year studying abroad. I have one sister who works together with my parents in the real estate industry.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Age

46

Previous public office, appointive or elective

I have been elected to two terms as Commissioner of Plainview Water District; 2016 & 2019

Why are you seeking this office?

I am running for state Assembly to serve my community and to expand on my experience in my elected capacity to address the critical issues facing Long Islanders today and improve our quality of life. As a commissioner who has fought to pass practical state legislation and bring essential record-breaking funding back to my constituents representing the peoples best interests, I have been able to put politics aside. I will bring that same conviction to the State Legislature.

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

After being diagnosed with cancer in my early 30's and looking into reasons why, I ran for Commissioner of Water in 2016. I was elected to serve for the last two terms, elected to the executive board of Nassau-Suffolk Water Commissioners Association, where I served as president last year, and co-chair of the Long Island Water Conference and the Clean Water Coalition, helping pass critical state legislation and bring back grant funding not just for our district but for many on Long Island. I have sat on the board of the NYS Conference of Local Mental Hygiene Directors Regional Planning Consortium to advocate for expanded access to services. As someone who will be a member of the Assembly Majority who has long standing relationships with elected official at all levels of government on both sides of the aisle, I can bring back for the needs of Long Islanders and our district. My opponent can not. I have lived in this district, raised my family in the district, owned a home and paid taxes, my opponent has not. I understand your needs first hand.

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

Supporting the bipartisan school tax reform limiting residential property taxes to 50 percent of any school district's budget. This still allows for the school's budget to remain the same. I am also in support of providing “circuit-breakers” which limit taxes on seniors and young adults.
Choice: Protect women's right to choose, moving to codify safe, legal abortions into the NYS Constitution.
Support Police: Increase funding, universal training, and support police to face challenges created by today’s changing climate.
Education: Expanding universal support for students and teachers in all schools and programs to assist children of varying needs and abilities.
Climate: Support protections to combat climate change and a practical approach to clean energy and clean water.
Mental Health Services: Increased access and holistic support for mental health and wellness for all ages, starting with universal resources and training for all public schools, increased incentives for higher education & training in the field of mental health and wellness.

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

I am a mother, I held an executive position for 25 years before leaving to run for public office beating an 18 year incumbent in a 2-to-1 election, elected to two terms. Elected to represent all Long Island commissioners, serving NSWCA as president in 2021 along with several other Island-wide and state-wide boards that represent our constituents. I have the support of many in both political parties because I repeatedly have put people before politics bringing the key entities in the room to address crucial issues facing our public and move key legislation forward putting partisan noise aside. I will be ready on day one to represent all people.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

My father always told me that we were given two ears and one mouth; to listen twice as much as we speak. This has been the single most important advice. To listen to the people and what their wants and needs are, as this is who I represent. I learn from my residents every day. To listen to my professionals, to my elected and mentors, to the government agencies that I have been fortunate enough to bring int to the room with me. I have been truly very lucky to have been given this opportunity the last six years. I hope to be able to serve you in the NYS Assembly.

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

Just as I have done in my current elected position, I am committed to representing all people, regardless of political party with a practical approach. I have a strong legislative approach that has reached crossed the aisle but my policy approach has not taken a dark turn. This election cycle has brought out some of worst hatred I have ever seen in my lifetime. I will bring us together and back to the center.