North Shore Towers Courier n July 2016 7 HOT SEAT Towers on the Green served as the BY SUZANNE MONTEVERDI In a final push before the primary, four of the Democratic candidates vying for Steve Israel’s Third Congressional seat assembled at North Shore Towers on Thursday night, June 23, to debate a series of hot topics in an event cosponsored Former North Hempstead Town Supervisor Jon Kaiman, North Hempstead Councilwoman Anna Kaplan, Suffolk County Legislator Steve Stern and Former Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi worked to convince attendees why they deserve the seat being vacated by Congressman Israel at the end of the year. Referencing the recent tragedy in Orlando and sit-in on Capitol Hill conducted by some House Democrats in support of the “No Fly, No Buy” bill, moderators asked candidates what new gun regulations they would support or propose if elected. All candidates agreed that reform was necessary, Kaiman advocated for a ban on assault weapons and said he would support the “No Fly, No Buy” bill. Kaplan called for closing “gun control loopholes” and legislating stricter consequences for gun dealers who are discovered making illegal sales. Stern desires “common sense regulations” and said he would work for nationalized gun reform and reinstating the assault weapons ban. Suozzi, meanwhile, applauded House Democrats for organizing the sit-in, stating “sometimes you have to break the rules…to try and call attention to an issue.” On the topic of immigration reform, Kaplan pointed out her personal connection to the issue as an Iranian-American immigrant, and said work needs to be done to help make illegal immigrants “part of the fabric of this country,” giving them avenues to “work hard, pay their taxes, and work their way to becoming Americans.” Stern called the United States “a nation of laws,” and said he supports strong border security, but backs comprehensive immigration reform for “those who play by the backdrop as Democratic rivals met to discuss issues only days before the Congressional District #3 primary vote SAVE THE DATE THURSDAY, JULY 7, 2016 GOLF TOURNAMENT, CARD PARTY, & LUNCHEON You are welcome to join us for lunch only Minimum Donation $75 • All other donations welcome All North Shore Towers residents welcome to participate but varied on approaches to achieving change. American Cancer Society serves men, women, and children with all forms of cancer. Funds are used to support cancer control programs of research, public education, advocacy, and patient and family services. TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE! Call: JUDY LEV 718-423-8850 Call: THERESA OROPALLO 347-408-4588 by the co-op and QNS. North Shore Towers Celebrates the AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY with the BABES & GUYS EVENT rules.” Suozzi stated that the immigration reform conversation has become an “excuse for racism” and has dehumanized immigrants. “Not all men and women with a green card are created equal; not all men and women with a passport are created equal; but all men and women that are humans are created equal,” said Suozzi. Kaiman said the presidential primary has polarized the two parties on the issue of immigration, and “ended any hope for a plan or a direction.” He continued by stating that “we all need to respect the dignity and humanity of every individual” but must remember “we are a nation of laws” who must “protect those that already have come legally.” Candidates seemed to be in agreement on the issue of public transportation, recognizing that Northeast Queens and Long Island are in need of better transportation services. Each candidate was asked what he or she would do with a metaphorical $100 million of government funding to use towards transportation or infrastructure. Suozzi claimed he would put the money toward improved bus service in Northeast Queens, as well as roads and bridge improvement. Kaiman, referencing the “Project Independence” program he enacted in North Hempstead, stressed the need for easier transportation options for seniors. Kaplan expressed a desire to consider extending certain subway lines, specifically mentioning the 7 line, which currently runs between Flushing and Manhattan. Stern also called for better options for seniors, stating it is “not just a transportation issue, but a quality-of-life issue.” When asked if they would support a national minimum wage standard, Kaplan was “absolutely” in favor, while Stern and Suozzi agreed that while an increase of the minimum wage is necessary, a national standard would not work. Stern stated that “one size does not fit all,” and Suozzi called for “cost of living adjustments based upon where in the country you are.” Kaiman supported the $15 minimum wage, as well as paid parental leave. Photo by Dawn Steinberg (l. to r.) Robb Pozarycki, Editor in Chief, Queens Courier; Congressional candidate Jon Kaiman; NST Board Vice President Mario Carmaciano; NST Board President Mort Gitter; Congressional candidate Tom Suozzi; NST Board Member and PAC Chair Felice Hannah; NST Courier Editor Stephen Vrattos; Congressional candidate Anna Kaplan; Congressional candidate Steve Stern
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