Paulin Seeks Re-Election: Patch Candidate Profile 2022

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — In 2022's general election, residents of the Hudson Valley will be voting for state and local officials. In anticipation, Patch asked candidates in the contested races to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles before election day.

Incumbent Assemblywoman Amy Paulin is being challenged on the Republican and Conservative lines by Thomas Fix.

The 88th Assembly District currently includes much of south-central Westchester County, though it will change again due to lawsuits over gerrymandering.

Paulin has served south-central Westchester County for two decades in the Assembly. Before that she was a member of the Scarsdale Village Board of Trustees. A graduate of the State University of New York at Albany, she holds a master’s degree and has completed doctoral course work in Criminal Justice there.

Learn more on her campaign website.

Why are you seeking this office?

I've dedicated my career to public service, working as the executive director of an agency that serves victims of domestic violence, as a leader of civic organizations such as the League of Women Voters, and since 2001, as a member of the Assembly. These are challenging times, and we need proven, experienced leaders who can deliver for our community. I'm proud of the work I've accomplished in protecting reproductive rights, getting illegal guns off the streets, expanding access to health care, and addressing Westchester’s high cost of living. It’s very rewarding, and I am privileged to serve in this role.

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

I have a proven record of passing laws that meet constituents’ needs and reflect our community’s values, making sure this district gets a fair share of state resources and effectively advocating for our community. I support reproductive choice, common sense gun laws and equality for all. My opponent has accepted the endorsement of an anti-choice political party. I also favor protecting voting rights and encouraging people to vote, but my opponent favors Trump-style voter ID requirements that will dissuade participation.

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

I will continue to fight hard to give our schools the funding and resources needed to provide our children with the world-class education they deserve. I will build on the recent middle class tax cuts to address Westchester’s high cost of living. I will continue to provide resources for police and public safety and expand on efforts to prevent gun violence. I am also committed to protecting access to reproductive healthcare and ensuring all New Yorkers can receive the healthcare they need.

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

My track record of passing over 300 bills into law speaks for itself, and I'm especially proud of my bill that eliminated the statute of limitations on rape. I've passed legislation on a wide variety of issues -- including government reform, domestic violence, sex trafficking, education, health care, and gun violence prevention.

When I see a local need, I fix it. A good example is the Lake Isle Dam, which sits on the border of the Town of Eastchester and the City of New Rochelle. The dam is unsound and threatened to cost the Town and City millions of dollars to repair. I was a leader in a solution that brought Eastchester, New Rochelle, Westchester County and New York State together to make the dam safe without placing an unfair burden on local taxpayers. This is the type of practical effort I am known for.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Before I became President of the League of Women Voters, first of Scarsdale and then of Westchester County, I learned from the leaders in the organization that it is necessary to listen to all parties and interested groups when trying to move an issue forward. To this day, I follow this advice. Whether it’s working on a bill or addressing an issue in my district, I listen to all my constituents and anyone else who has ideas or concerns. By understanding all sides of an issue, we can identify solutions and make progress to improve our community and the entire State of New York.

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