NY Patch Candidate Profile: Joe Cardinale For NYS Assembly District 11

LINDENHURST, NY — The 2024 election is heating up in New York and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

With Election Day just around the corner, Patch has been reaching out to the candidates to find out why they are running this November. Candidate profiles will be published as election day draws near.

Joe Cardinale, a Lindenhurst resident, is running for New York State Assembly District 11.

Here is what he had to say:

Name:
Joe Cardinale

Campaign website:
CardinaleForAssembly.com

City or town of residence:
Amityville

Office sought:
New York State Assembly, District 11

Party affiliation:
Republican • Conservative

Education:

Occupation:
Retired Lt. Commander NYPD

Family:
4 children, 2 grandchildren, 2 dogs

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
No

Age:
70

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
No

Why are you seeking this office?

I am running for New York State Assembly because our district is at a critical point. Radical Democratic policies, like my opponent's support for Proposition 1—which allows men to compete in women’s sports—are undermining the values that make our communities strong. While I fully support women’s rights, I cannot stand by policies that destroy the integrity of women’s sports.

We are facing challenges that require strong conservative leadership. Our state has been driven into the ground by reckless tax policies, red tape, and misguided bail reform laws, leading to rising crime rates, increased homelessness, and a mass exodus of businesses and residents leaving New York. It's time for common-sense solutions to these pressing issues.

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

The biggest difference between my opponent and me is our stance on key issues that affect our community's future. My opponent is supporting Proposition 1, aligning with radical Democrats who prioritize social engineering over the well-being of our residents. I stand firmly against allowing men in women’s sports and against policies that hurt our families and communities.

Additionally, while my opponent represents the political elite, pushing the state toward higher taxes, fewer jobs, and more red tape, I represent the people who are tired of seeing businesses and residents flee because New York has become too unaffordable and unsafe.

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

In addition to opposing Proposition 1 and protecting actual women’s rights, I will focus on repealing disastrous bail reform laws, addressing the state’s sanctuary status with illegal immigration, addressing the fentanyl crisis that plagues our communities, and pushing for policies that support our veterans and seniors.

I will also fight for tax relief, cutting the red tape that suffocates small businesses, and protecting Long Island from the flood of illegal migrants that threatens to overwhelm our resources.

Additionally, as an avid boater and fisherman, I am encouraging people to vote for Proposition 2 to enhance our drinking water, decrease algae blooms and have a better overall environment. Lastly, I will address the financial mismanagement of our funds and resources that is costing our residents billions of dollars.

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

I am a retired lieutenant commander of the NYPD and the owner/operator of Blue Line Pilot Cars. As the Republican and Conservative candidate for NYS Assembly District 11, I offer decades of experience, discipline, and a fresh approach to the political landscape in New York. My leadership in the NYPD has allowed me to understand the importance of public safety, accountability, and community engagement.

Throughout my career, I have always put the needs of my community first, whether standing up for common-sense policies or challenging radical agendas that undermine New York’s values. My proven record of success stands on merit, from addressing complex public safety issues to advocating for policies that support local businesses, protect families, and improve public health.

I believe in practical solutions to New York’s most pressing problems—ranging from unaffordability, bail reform, and the fentanyl crisis to homelessness and the rising cost of living that is driving residents and businesses out of the state.

My commitment extends to the most vulnerable, including veterans, seniors, and those affected by the opioid crisis. My experience as a business owner and leader has given me a deep understanding of how excessive taxes and regulatory red tape hurt economic growth.

My pledge is to be a dedicated public servant that will create policies that ease these burdens and foster an environment where businesses and residents can thrive and communities can be safe and affordable.

I will preserve the values that make our state great.

What problems facing your district would you look to solve if you are elected/re-elected?

Our district is grappling with homelessness, a drug crisis fueled by fentanyl, and skyrocketing living costs. I will prioritize comprehensive solutions to support our most vulnerable populations—especially veterans and seniors—by improving access to services, fighting to lower taxes, and advocating for better healthcare.

Additionally, I will work to restore law and order in our streets by repealing disastrous bail reforms that have let violent criminals back on the streets, contributing to increased crime and fear in our neighborhoods.

Cancer is a prominent health issue for Long Islanders and is a leading cause of death for children. What measures would you take to help lower cancer rates and bolster research in the field?

I support increased funding for cancer research and better access to healthcare for families affected by this devastating disease. Partnering with medical institutions to enhance research efforts is essential, but we also need to focus on preventative care by improving our air and water quality, and addressing industrial pollution that contributes to cancer risks in our communities.

What would you do to help small businesses struggling with inflation and the cost of goods needed to manufacture their products?

I will fight to reduce the tax burden and cut the red tape that is strangling our small businesses. We need to encourage growth by creating a more business-friendly environment that incentivizes entrepreneurship, cuts unnecessary regulations, and keeps costs down. Inflation is crushing our local economy, and it's time to enact policies that prioritize business owners over bureaucrats.

Water quality is critical to the region. What plans do you have to help improve water quality and keep it safe for generations?

Protecting our water sources is a top priority. I will push for stricter regulations on industrial waste and stronger enforcement of pollution laws to ensure that our water is safe. Additionally, I will advocate for investments in upgrading our outdated sewage and water infrastructure to prevent contamination and ensure long-term sustainability.

How can the immigration crisis be addressed at the federal and local levels? Can federal and local officials work together?

Absolutely, federal and local officials can and must work together. The current open-border policies are creating an unsustainable situation in our district, straining resources, and burdening taxpayers. We need stronger enforcement of immigration laws, increased border security, and better cooperation between federal, state, and local agencies to address the crisis. At the local level, we should refuse to become a sanctuary state that incentivizes illegal immigration.

What can be done about inflation, which some say can be attributed to price gauging?

Addressing inflation requires a multi-faceted approach. While price gouging is a concern, the bigger issue is government overregulation, which drives up costs. We need to lower taxes, reduce unnecessary spending, and encourage economic growth by making it easier for businesses to operate. When businesses thrive, it creates more competition, which helps to naturally reduce prices.

The median cost of renting on Long Island falls between $2,000 and $3,100. How can more affordable housing options be created?

We need to streamline the process for building affordable housing while cutting through the bureaucratic red tape that delays construction projects. Partnering with private developers, offering incentives for affordable housing projects, and providing grants to first-time homeowners can help make Long Island a more affordable place to live.

What is your stance on SALT (State and Local Tax Relief)?

I support restoring the SALT deduction cap to provide tax relief for Long Island residents who are currently being overburdened by high state and local taxes. This deduction is essential for making New York more affordable for middle-class families.

What needs to be done to keep Long Island streets safe from crime?

Repealing the failed bail reform laws and giving law enforcement the tools they need to protect our communities is essential. We need to support our police, enforce tough penalties for violent criminals, and work together to create safer neighborhoods.

The DWI/DWAI rate is escalating island-wide. What measures can you fight for to address the escalating addiction crisis?

I will fight for stricter enforcement of DWI/DWAI laws and increased penalties for offenders. Additionally, we must invest in addiction treatment programs, mental health programs (including apps that are more affordable and more private), focusing on rehabilitation and support for individuals struggling with substance abuse, including fentanyl, which has become a significant issue in our district.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

The best advice I ever got came from my old-school Italian grandmother, who lived her life with a fierce sense of integrity. She used to say, “Joe, always do the right thing, even when no one's watching. You don't take shortcuts in life; you do things the honest way, even if it’s harder. Pay your share of taxes- pay your bills or everyone suffers. And remember, your community is your family—lend a hand, show up when it counts, and give more than you take. That’s how you build a life that matters.”

She taught me that living with integrity means standing up for what’s right, contributing to the world around you, and always putting in the work to make things better for others.

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

As a Conservative Republican, I am committed to restoring common-sense governance to New York. I believe in protecting families, supporting our veterans and seniors, and standing up to the radical policies that have damaged our state. My opponent is part of the problem, and I am here to fight for the solutions. I know with my community’s support, we can turn New York around.