2010 Assembly District 51 – General Election

 

 

Age: N/A  Occupation: Member, NYS Assembly
Education: New York University (MPA)
Assembly website: http://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/?ad=051

 

Felix Ortiz was first elected to the Assembly in 1994, and is currently the President of the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators.  In his tenure in the Assembly, he was instrumental in instituting the nation’s first ban on hand-held cell phone use while driving.  Ortiz has also focused on public health issues as the author of New York’s Childhood Obesity Program and the first legislator to tackle the issues of menu labeling and the ban of trans fats in food preparation.  His priorities for the district include affordable and quality health care, improved educational standards, job creation, enhanced senior programs, and public safety.  On reform issues, he supports the creation of an independent redistricting commission and states that he is not afraid to challenge leadership of the state assembly.  Ortiz is a sponsor of legislation for full public funding of campaigns, but also supports a public matching system for campaigns. He also supports other strong campaign finance reform measures in addition to a public funding system such as lower contribution limits.  Citizens Union believes that Ortiz has been a strong advocate for reform in the legislature, and has been able to think ahead of the curve in instituting change.  Given Felix Ortiz’s commitment to the needs of his constituents, his ability to think creatively, as well as his support for reform, Citizens Union supports his re-election to the State Assembly.

HENRY LALLAVE, JR. – REP, CON
Has not returned questionnaire
Candidate could not be scheduled for an interview
Campaign website: http://www.henrylallaveforassembly.com/