Candidate Profile: Edmund Smyth For New York Senate District 5

HUNTINGTON, NY — Election Day is right around the corner, and voters will choose between Republican candidate Edmund Smyth, incumbent Democratic state Sen. Jim Gaughran and Green Party candidate Barbara Wagner in the general election Nov. 3 for New York state Senate District 5.

The 5th district covers the North Shore of Long Island, including Glen Cove, Syosset, Jericho, Oyster Bay, Plainview, Huntington, Northport, Melville, Dix Hills and part of Commack.

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.

Edmund Smyth

Age as of Election Day (Nov. 3)

47

Town of residence

Huntington

Position Sought

State Senate

Party Affiliation

Republican, Conservative, Independence, Libertarian

Family

My wife Coriander, my son Harlan, my son Ed Jr., my daughter Sarah, and my other daughter Lily

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

N/A

Education

Widener University and New York Law School

Occupation

Small business owner of 23 years, and Huntington Town Councilman

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Currently serving as a Huntington Town Councilman

Campaign website

edsmyth2020.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

“New York is heading in the wrong direction. Long Island schools have suffered under one-party control in Albany. Balance must be restored to our State, and that begins with bringing the common sense to the State Senate.”

The single most pressing issue facing our nation/state/community is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

“The single most pressing issue for our nation/state/community is the Coronavirus. While New York has done a good job at working through the worst of the pandemic, we are not out of the woods yet. My focus in the State Senate will be to ensure our schools and our businesses are provided the resources they need to open and operate safely. That begins by reducing regulatory burdens that have long hampered our small businesses to help them prosper once it is fully safe to do so without the heavy hand of the government making it more challenging than it needs to be. Our schools must also be fully funded to ensure our teachers, students, and faculty are safe so our children can learn in a safe and effective environment.”

Story continues

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

“The critical differences between my opponent and I are that, unlike my opponent, I will not vote for a budget that cuts Long Island school’s foundation aid in half. I will not vote for a radical bail reform law that allows violent criminals to be immediately released once they are charged. Lastly, I will not kick major companies such as Amazon out of New York, simply because of political pressure from fringe groups.”

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

“Our current State Senator has failed to deliver school aid for Long Island, and has caved to the interests of New York City politicians. After record increases in education under Senate Republicans, in my opponent’s first year in office our district got half of what they received the year before. In his second year, the school aid income was eliminated altogether.”

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

“I am running first and foremost to enact term limits for all elected officials. There are no term limits in the State Legislature and that is wrong. When I was first elected to the Huntington Town Council, the first thing I did was vote to create term limits at the Town. I will so the same thing in the State Legislature.”

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

“I am a practicing lawyer for the past 23 years. I’ve run several small businesses. I am a former U.S. Marine Staff Sergeant and currently a member of the town board.”

The best advice ever shared with me was:

“The Usher at my high school graduation said ‘Just keep moving.'”

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

“I am a common sense person. I will push term limits for all elected officials. I will work with any reasonable person regardless of political party.”

This article originally appeared on the Huntington Patch