Final Pitch: Fitzpatrick v. Marcellino

With only one day left before Election Day, Hauppauge Patch is giving the candidates for the Seventh Assembly District the chance to make their elevator pitches for Hauppauge votes. They each get 250 words, give or take a few, to make their best argument for why they'd be best suited to stay in charge or take over the reins from the incumbent.

Incumbent: Michael Fitzpatrick, R - Smithtown

I humbly ask the voters of the 7th Assembly District for the privilege of representing them in Albany as we approach, as a state, a critical "fork in the road." I am very proud of my voting record and my reputation as, in the words of former Governor George Pataki, the most fiscally responsible member of the state legislature.  I have argued against out-of-control spending by a legislature that does not understand that it has a fiduciary responsibility to all New Yorkers.  From 2000 to 2010, state spending has grown 70 percent, almost twice as fast as personal income.

As a result of this irresponsible behavior, and that of the federal government and Congress, we are forced to enter a new age of austerity. Only policies that encourage, and reward, economic growth will provide the tools to get this massive job done.  I am committed to advancing legislation and policies to strengthen the private sector and reign in a bloated and inefficient public sector.  The first step toward this end, in my opinion, is to eliminate the "Defined Benefit" pension for all elected officials and political appointees in New York State.  I have submitted a bill to accomplish this, which has received editorial support around the state.   This one step removes the incentive for legislators to "take the path of least resistance" resulting in runaway spending due to the strong desire to remain in the pension system.  By conferring a taxpayer-funded defined benefit pensions on elected officials, you create the, so-called, career politician.  The defined benefit system rewards one thing: longevity.  It is the most important reason why there is a lack of fiscal responsibility in Albany and many other state capitols. Change the pension system and you can change the state.  Without removal of the political class from the defined benefit pension system, nothing will change in New York State.  That, to me, is unacceptable.

Challenger: Richard S. Macellaro, D - Kings Park  

I am not the Incumbent.  I hope to bring a new and refreshed prospective to the NYS Assembly and to initiate meaningful growth and development programs and projects for the entire district.  Competence, effectiveness, conciliation, tenacity and a full-time commitment will be the hallmarks of my tenure.  I will be a full-time Assembly Member.  A fighter for district needs, I will bring to the 7th Assembly District my experience and commitment as it applies to the various State issues. I was a Special Assistant for two NYS Assembly members for more than 5 years and responsible for constituent concerns and services.  I plan to meet with my neighbors and residents to better my understanding of the issues and concerns that affect our community and to encourage a dialogue with various civic and elected leaders to arrive at Common Sense solutions as they make important decisions for the betterment of y(our) district.     

I hope to bring more funds back to the district. I have the training, education and ability to seek and provide funding sources to secure service projects, such as drug prevention and secession programs, provide for more elderly or youth activities, increase job training skills development resources and insure equal job protections for men and women. I will vote yes. We need to elect a leader who will say yes to making the tough decisions that will benefit District residents. An Assembly Members' duties and responsibilities is not about saying no to everything.  Saying no to every thing means no thing ever gets done. I hope to do more and do better for taxpayers.