Some of the most contentious transportation discussions in the region are taking place on Long Island. For this reason, TSTC sent surveys to the incumbents and challengers in every state legislative district in Nassau and Suffolk counties. MTR is highlighting each district from which at least one candidate responded.

Republican Michael McGinty (also running on the Conservative ticket) is challenging Democratic Assm. Harvey Weisenberg (also running on the Independence and Working Families tickets) in New York’s 20th Assembly District which encompasses the Southwestern sector of the Town of Hempstead in Nassau County. TSTC received no response from the challenger, Mr. McGinty, but Assm. Weisenberg provided TSTC with a completed questionnaire and highlighted his stances on particular transportation issues. Here are some highlights:

Assm. Weisenberg, a member of the Assembly Transportation Committee, authored (prime sponsored) several pieces of legislation that address public safety issues surrounding transportation, such as increasing penalities for DWIs and requiring defibrillators on MTA trains. He also indicated that he has consistently supported and championed measures in the state budget to improve roads and bridges.

To support increased demand for public transportation and to reduce congestion on Long Island, Assm. Weisenberg indicates he will continue to “advocate for adequate funding in the state budget for programs that expand availability in areas where ridership has increased, and where ridership is expected to increase.” He also secured approximately $20 million to expand the parking lot at the Long Beach LIRR station.

Assm. Weisenberg is a supporter of the LIRR East Side Access project, the LIRR Third Track project, the Long Island Intermodal project at Pilgrim State and adding travel lanes on Route 347.