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Fuschillo faces big challenge from Adam Small
candidate and lawyer from North Merrick. "Problems are never addressed and I'd like to try and change that." Fuschillo, who has passed approximately 125 laws since being elected in 1998, refuses to get into a war of words with his opponent and is running, instead, on his record, he said. "He is not an issue for me," said Fuschillo. "I will continue to do the same work that I have always done...my record speaks for itself." That record includes tackling many quality of life issues, said the 46-year-old lawmaker. Passing higher playground standards to keep kids safe, increased penalties for DWI offenders and greater medical coverage for children with autism are just a few of the initiatives he has helped craft into law.
Small's decision to run is not unlike most people's, who say they have grown tired of hearing the complaints of friends and neighbors. "I have the same problems that everyone else does...high property taxes, school taxes and even the quality of our schools. I don't feel like we're getting what we pay for," added Small who's endorsed by Attorney General Eliot Spitzer and New York Senator Chuck Schumer. Fuschillo, who has lived in Merrick for more than 10 years, says he has the same worries as his constituents- and his opponent, but that he's the best candidate to do something about them. "I'm known as so-and-so's dad or coach to everyone in my community, so I hear problems and I work to fix them," said Fuschillo, the father of three schoolaged children. He said he takes a common-sense approach to resolving problems. For example, he's working on protecting children by strengthening Megan's Law, delivering more state dollars to local schools and delivering lower property tax rates. "Most of us are middle class. I know it's hard to pay the bills, so I just capped the state portion of sales tax and provided an education tax credit of $330 per child," said Fuschillo whose father was involved in politics. Small charges that millions in taxes are getting funneled from New York to Albany-money that could help lower property and school taxes here on Long Island. "Spitzer has a plan, which I back, called the Middle Class Star Exemption, that would increase exemptions and lead to an increase in school aid, also an issue," he said, adding that this is the cornerstone of his campaign. Fuschillo said that schools are already getting record-breaking amounts from Albany, but they are taking full advantage of those funds. "If the school districts would just follow the government, residents would have significant tax relief. Some, not all, districts are afraid to control the spending. It's not the answer to high taxes, but it would help." He added that a well-informed voter is also another way to control school spending. "I'm always surprised at the low turnout for school votes because the main portion of our taxes comes from the schools," he added. Both candidates are concerned about local issues that affect residents' quality of life. One hot regional issue is the development in and around Republic Airport in Farmingdale, which has raised questions about the airport and its future. Referring to Babylon Supervisor Steve Bellone in whose town the airport is located, Fuschillo said the answer is getting a master plan. "Then decisions (about the airport's future and its surrounding communities) can be made," said Fuschillo who said the airport has no plans of expanding. Bellone and others, including Nassau County Leg. Dave Mejias, have launched a major campaign to force Republic to complete a master plan, but after more than 15 years of discussion, meetings and debate, no plan has been finalized. Airport officials maintain that community resistance is holding up the plan, while Bellone and others say that Republic simply does not want to be held accountable by having a plan in place. "As an elected official, you are supposed to represent individuals and families, and if the expansion and development of the airport is affecting people, it needs to be looked at," said Small, who says there needs to be more inquiries and details from this site regarding both traffic and the environment. Additionally, adjacent to the airport, the Stew Leonard's company is attempting to construct a new store but has been denied curb cuts. That denial by the state has held up the project for more than two years and is currently in the courts, but Fuschillo said that all that needs to be done to resolve the issue is for the owners to agree to redesign the site plan, moving the building "a little south" said Fuschillo. That would remove it from the airport's instrument landing approach, which is vital to the airport's future, he said. Jones Beach Wind Farm Another local concern is the proposed energy wind farm off of Jones Beach. Advocates say this is the first step towards green power, while opponents say it will ruin the view on the public beach, have a dramatic and negative impact on the environment and be a detriment to the region's economy. "There are significant concerns about that proposal," acknowledged Fuschillo. "For example, there has never been another wind farm installed in the United States, and it's not proven to work. Until I get the answers that I asked for from the federal government, it's hard to determine if this project will be economically feasible for rate payers." Fuschillo says he is however, environmentally minded, to those who'd think otherwise. "I helped close the diesel Freeport Power plant in 2002 and replaced it with a cleaner plant. I know that we need alternative energy sources, but we need a comprehensive energy plan." "When you weigh aesthetic versus the need for alternative energy, it's obvious that we need to lessen our dependence on foreign oil," said Small who supports windmills off of the South Shore. "They have windmills everywhere and they work. In fact, Parisians hated the Eiffel Tower when it was first put up as a radio tower," he reasoned. In addition to environmental issues, Small would like to take on other important fights. "My motherin law lives with me, so I get to see first hand, how the increases effect our seniors," said the candidate who says he'd help seniors fight the ever-increasing cost prescription drugs. Small, who says he seeks a seat to make changes, not necessarily the limelight of political office, lives in North Merrick with his wife of 14 years, Maria, and their sons, three-year old Samuel and one-year old Aaron. He is legal consultant to the Suffolk County Coalition Against Domestic Violence and a member of the Volunteer Lawyers Project & Landlord-Tenant Project. Fuschillo, whose long record includes passing Timothy's Law, which provides insurance for children with mental and psychological illnesses, anti identify theft legislation and landmark drunk-driving legislation, says he's proudest of the most basic assistance he offers. "Although I am proud of all the legislation I've passed, I am proudest when my office is able to help people," he said. "This is the most rewarding job I've ever had."
The state's Eighth Senatorial District, has 82,784 Republicans and 71,862 Democrats. It covers southeast Nassau including Baldwin, Massapequa, Massapequa Park, South Farmingdale and parts of Suffolk County, including Amityville and Lindenhurst. Election day is Tuesday, November 7 with the polls open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
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