2010 Assembly District 26 – General Election

Endorsed Candidate

VINCENT TABONE – REP, CON

Vincent Tabone’s Candidate Questionnaire

Age: 44
Occupation: Attorney
Education: Baruch College (BBA); New York Law School (JD)
Campaign website: http://www.taboneforassembly.com/

Vincent Tabone is making his fourth run for public office, having previously run for Assembly District 36 in 1994, 1996 and 2000. Tabone points to his work for the New York City Economic Development Corporation and as general counsel for a private firm for providing him with the experience to be an effective assemblymember. He is focused on job creation and development, which he believes is of critical importance to his district, especially in the current economic climate. Tabone also indicated that education and quality of life issues were areas of importance to his district. Tabone believes local schools do not receive their fair share of resources because there are a prevalence of high performing public schools in the area. He is mostly in agreement with Citizens Union’s reform agenda with the exception of electoral reforms and takes a centrist, pragmatic bipartisan approach to passing legislation in recognition that, if he is to win, he will join a Republican minority far outnumbered by their Democratic colleagues. While he supports many of Citizens Union’s proposals, he would rather see moderate reform pass than nothing at all, applying this philosophy to the current debate over redistricting reform. Citizens Union is impressed by Vincent Tabone’s knowledge of issues, ability to articulate how to bring about change in Albany, and his commitment to his district, thus endorsing his candidacy.

ED BRAUNSTEIN – DEM, IND
(photo from facebook.com)

Ed Braunstein’s Candidate Questionnaire
Age: 29
Occupation: Legislative Assistant, NYS Assembly
Education: SUNY Albany (BA); New York Law School (JD)
Campaign website: http://braunsteinforassembly.com/

Ed Braunstein is a first-year member of Community Board 11 and a lifelong resident of Bayside, Queens. Braunstein has the support of the Queens Democratic Party and much of the Democratic legislative establishment. He has spent the last seven years in Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver’s district office covering legislative affairs. Braunstein wants to curb state spending but notes the importance of maintaining certain programs such as those for seniors. On reform issues, he supports independent redistricting, increased transparency related to the role of business and special interests in politics, publicly financed elections, and the consolidation of New York State’s 700 public authorities as a cost-saving measure. Braunstein also believes that the need of a district ought to be considered in allocating member-item appropriations and supports a robust vetting process for community groups seeking funding from members. While Ed Braunstein showed knowledge of some issues and expressed a genuine commitment to be independent, he lacks the depth of experience that his opponent possesses.