Candidate Profile: Jake Blumencranz Running For Assembly District 15

NASSAU COUNTY, NY — Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 8. In the 15th Assembly District, . Republican Jake Blumencranz is facing off against Democrat Amanda Field 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

Jake Blumencranz

Campaign website

https://jakeforassembly.com

City or town of residence

Oyster Bay

Office sought

NY Assembly District 15

Party affiliation

Republican, Conservative

Education

Jericho Senior High School; Rice University: B.A. Public Policy Analysis, B.A. Religious Studies; London School of Economics: MSC Regional Urban Planning and Development

Occupation

Insurance Executive

Family

I have two siblings and six step-siblings. My mother is a teacher in the North Shore school district and my father is a local business owner.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Age

26

Previous public office, appointive or elective

No

Why are you seeking this office?

I am running to serve you in the New York State Assembly and lead Long Island into a safer, more affordable future for families, senior citizens and young people. From lowering the rising cost of living, to improving educational opportunities for all students, I will take on the issues that affect everyday New Yorkers and replace the culture of extremism and political polarization in Albany with one that emphasizes pragmatic choices to bring on a more prosperous Long Island.

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

Unlike my opponent, I have lived in Long Island all my life. I have extensive educational and firsthand experience, and a granular understanding of the policy issues that matter the most to Long Islanders. Most of all, I have always stayed consistent to my positions and values, unlike my opponent. I will not be a rubber stamp for the pro-New York City, anti-Long Island legislation that has raised our taxes and made our streets unsafe.

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

Long Island needs a voice in Albany that will work to make our communities safe again, lower our outrageous taxes, and give schools and students the support they need. We also need greater transparency at the state level, as our unelected governor has used emergency declarations to enrich herself and her cronies at all of our expense. It has taken generations to build the vibrant, prosperous communities in which we live, and we must act now to protect them for the present, and the future.

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

I worked closely with the Nassau County Police Foundation, through multiple administrations and parties, to ensure the successful completion of the cutting-edge David S. Mack Center for Training and Intelligence. Long Island needs more bipartisan accomplishments like these to help it adapt and succeed.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

My family has adopted an insurance maxim for its motto: always wear a belt and suspenders. New York's ruling party has played fast and loose with our money, our safety, and our lives for too long. When the stakes are high, responsible people should be at the helm.

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

As bad as bail reform has hit our communities, far more dangerous bills are slithering their way through the New York State Legislature. Democrats erased 20 years of progress and brought criminality back to where it was around the year 2000. The next bills will bring crime back to the 1980's or 90's, or worse. We need someone in Albany right now who can make a stand for all Long Islanders — for all New Yorkers.