Candidate Profile: Cooper Macco For New York Assembly District 12

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — Election Day is right around the corner, and voters will choose between incumbent Republican state Assemblyman Keith Brown and Democratic challenger Cooper Macco in the general election on Nov. 8 for New York State Assembly District 12.

The 12th Assembly District covers Northport, East Northport, Centerport, Eaton's Neck, Asharoken and portions of Fort Salonga, Halesite, Greenlawn, Commack, Elwood, Dix Hills, Deer Park, and North Bay Shore.

In anticipation of the election, Patch asked candidates in the contested races to answer questions about their campaigns and will publish candidate profiles as election day draws near. Here are their answers, lightly edited for clarity.

Name

Cooper Macco

Campaign website

https://www.maccoforassembly.com/

City or town of residence

Halesite

Office sought

Assembly District 12

Party affiliation

Democrat

Education

J.D., cum laude, St, John's University School of Law (2012), B.A. Mathematics - Long Island University (2008)

Occupation

Bankruptcy Attorney (2012-Present)

Family

Wife - Elizabeth, Speech Language Pathologist for NYC Department of Education, Sons - Michael "Mike"(6) and James "Jamie" (4)

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

N/A

Age

36

Previous public office, appointive or elective

N/A

Why are you seeking this office?

"I am looking to help the community at large with the problems facing them today. As a consumer bankruptcy attorney, I regularly deal with individuals facing financial problems as a result of unemployment, high cost of living, childcare, or unexpected medical bills from injury/illness. I believe this background will help me better understand and serve these needs in Albany. Unfortunately, I can only assist people who contact me for legal services. If elected, I will help provide relief to working families on Long Island in a much broader manner."

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

"In Albany, my opponent is an outsider looking in. In his first term, he was ineffective due to the dynamics of the Assembly. While I may not always agree with other party members, as a Democrat, I will have a seat at the table to voice these concerns and represent our area. I think we are also seeing major differences in our opinions on reproductive rights and gun control legislation in the wake of the Supreme Court rulings. My opponent has firmly voted the party line and against the most recent rounds of legislation on reproductive rights and gun control."

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

"As I previously indicated, the incumbent is an ineffective legislator. He is a member of the minority who has been unable to get anything done his first term in office. His voting record speaks for itself. He has voted against the budget, which brought much-needed relief to Long Island infrastructure and benefitted area school districts. Additionally, his most recent votes against the reproductive rights package and gun control legislation in wake of the Uvalde and Buffalo shootings show he is out of touch with his constituency and voting the party line rather than the wants and needs of those who elected him."

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

"Long Island is facing major environmental concerns as a result of antiquated cesspool and septic systems. We need to ensure grants for expanded sewers and sewage treatment facilities, as well as newer, home wastewater systems. We must also try and ease the burden on working families by allocating affordable housing and expanding universal pre-K and the childcare tax credit."

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

"In my professional practice, I regularly work with the other attorneys representing the opposition. There are only a small number of attorneys who handle bankruptcy matters on Long Island. An opponent on one case may be an ally in the next. Even as a zealous advocate for my clients, I know that sometimes getting the best result means knowing when to compromise, and, alternatively, knowing when to fight. I will bring that same advocacy and negotiation ability to Albany."

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

"My grandfather would always try and instill in me that it was important to learn something new every day. I continue to try and learn each day, and have passed that lesson on to my own children."

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

"This is the first time I have ran for office and the support I have received from friends, neighbors, community at large and strangers is immeasurable. It has been a great experience and I will carry it with me forever."