Election Day 2023: Republican Lawyer Seeks Seat In County Legislature

ELMONT, NY — Ahead of the 2023 elections, Patch is once again helping to inform residents before going to the ballot box with our annual candidate profiles.

Name

Sheharyar Ali

How old will you be as of Election Day?

30

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

https://aliforlegislator.com

What city or town do you live in?

Elmont

What office are you seeking?

Nassau County Legislator

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

District 3

Party affiliation.

Republican

Education.

Bachelor in Government and politics with a minor in Philosophy and J.D.

What is your occupation?

Attorney since 2017

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

I am married with two boys ages 3 and 1. My wife is a pharmacist.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

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

I was a prosecutor for 4 years at the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office. Currently, I am a Deputy County Attorney at the Nassau County Attorney’s Office.

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?

Provide a better future for my two boys. In addition, I want to serve and make positive impacts in the community I grew up in. There are many things I would like to make happen and instead of complaining about it, I decided to run for office.

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

TAXES. Affordability is a huge issue in Nassau County. It costs so much to buy a home and on top of that we pay a lot of taxes. I will make it a priority to hold the line on taxes and look into any wasteful spending.

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

Education, awareness, and accountability. I will lobby the State and Federal government to provide more resources to identify and clean up toxic sites that are polluting our water. I will for the $6 million in funds approved by the Legislature for conservation and water quality protection, to be apportioned wisely and go to areas with the biggest need.

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

We need to conduct a study and hire experts to assess our infrastructure in Nassau County. We need to make sure that we listen to the experts on required upgrades and make sure our infrastructure is in line with the 21st century. In addition, we need to ensure our infrastructure and highways won’t be effected by severe weather in Nassau County.

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

I will advocate for grants that will help small businesses stay afloat. Small businesses are the backbone of our communities and I will do everything in my power to support and expand small businesses in Nassau County.

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?

I believe that the federal and state government is failing our American citizens and our immigrants. Due to an uncontrolled border, we have families, including little children, who are sleeping on the streets of New York City. Migrants who are entering the country legally and following the process are being affected and it is taking longer for them to gain entry. The State and Federal government must control the border and if they expect Long Island to assist then we must receive the appropriate funding and resources to handle the influx of migrants.

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

I care and I don’t make promises I can’t keep. My opponent has been in office since 2011 and has not fulfilled many of his promises such as bringing a community center to Elmont.

If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?

Please see previous answer.

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

Preserving the suburban quality of life, fostering a positive relationship between the police and our community, and supporting small businesses.

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

During my career at the Brooklyn DA, I was the first ADA in my Zone to get promoted to a felony ADA. I managed a rotating case list of about 150 felonies. I interacted with thousands of people over my career that included victims, witnesses, police officers, doctors, firefighters, and business owners. I understand people. I know how to speak and be able to relate to people. I know how to solve problems. In my current role as a Deputy County Attorney, I defend Nassau County in federal and state litigation. I work for the residents of Nassau County and approach every case with the mindset of how I can resolve the case with the most minimum impact on the tax payers.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

People tell you it’s not possible because they can’t do it.

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

I grew up in this community and I live in this community. For years we have been promised certain things and we have gotten nothing in return. If you want a better suburban quality of life, safer streets, and the ability to afford to live here, please vote for me on November 07.