Candidate Profile: Steve Englebright For New York Assembly District 4

TOWN OF BROOKHAVEN, NY — Election Day is right around the corner, and voters will choose between incumbent Democrat state Assemblyman Steve Englebright and Republican challenger Edward Flood in the general election on Nov. 8 for New York State Assembly District 4.

The 4th State Assembly District covers Port Jefferson, Port Jefferson Station, Stony Brook, Setauket, Terryville, Belle Terre, Strongs Neck, Poquott, and parts of Coram, Selden, and Gordon Heights.

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

Steve Englebright

Campaign website

https://steveforassembly.com/

City or town of residence

Setauket

Office sought

New York State Assembly

Party affiliation

Democrat

Education

I am a graduate of Bayside High School, have received my Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Tennessee in 1969 and a Master of Science degree in Paleontology/Sedimentology from the State University of New York at Stony Brook.

Occupation

New York State Assemblyman

Family

I have two daughters. They are both in their 30s, are graduates of Stony Brook University, and live in the district.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Age

76

Previous public office, appointive or elective

I served as a Suffolk County Legislator from 1984-1992. I have also served as a New York State Assemblyman since 1992 to the present.

Why are you seeking this office?

I am seeking re-election because I have so much more that I would like to accomplish in this district. My work in the Assembly is not done.

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

I have a long record of public service. I have significant accomplishments, while my opponent has not accomplished anything that would qualify him for this job. I am the senior member of the delegation and as such, understand the scope and reach of this position.

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

N/A I am the incumbent

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

Public Safety: I have voted to secure additional funding for law enforcement. I am continuing to fight for more common sense improvements to the bail law. I have voted for the Red Flag Law to keep guns out of the hands of dangerous individuals.

Electrification of the Long Island Rail Road: The electrification of the LIRR will not only serve to further protect our environment from the use of detrimental fossil fuel, but it will also provide an opportunity to get riders directly to Penn Station.

Fighting Inflation: I have led the fight for the gas tax holiday, which was implemented this year. I have held down property taxes with record School Aid this year. I have and will continue to cut taxes for the middle class.

Health: I have secured $3.7 million to Stony Brook University Hospital for a National Cancer Institute to further support cancer research and ensure there is access to treatment. I have voted to protect reproductive rights in New York and I will continue to. Lastly, I have and will continue to keep dangerous cancer-causing chemicals out of our drinking water.

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

In addition to what I have already mentioned, I have and currently serve as the Chair of the Environmental Conservation Committee. For example, as the Chair, I spearheaded the effort to protect our drinking water, was the prime sponsor of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), and was the prime sponsor of the constitutional amendment last year that guarantees every citizen of New York to the right to clean air, clean water, and a healthful environment. I was also the leading voice to get the Long Island Expressway repaved, as well as Route 25A and other state roads. Additionally, I have secured $500,000 to help in the reconstruction of the Student Health Center at SUNY Stony Brook.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

“Always do right.”

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

I ask you to please look at my record. I am proud of my record. I would be honored to receive your vote this Election Day, November 8th.