Candidate Profile: Phil Ramos For NY 4th Senatorial District

LONG ISLAND, NY — Suffolk County residents will be lining up at the polls for primaries on Tuesday Aug. 23, where they will be voting for candidates vying for congressional and state senate seats.

New York State Assemblyman Phillip Ramos (D-NY), who currently represents Assembly District 6, is seeking election to represent the 4th Senatorial District. He faces former New York State Senator Monica Martinez (D-NY).

Ramos has represented Assembly District 6 since January 2003.

If successful in the primary, Ramos will go against Republican candidate Wendy Rodriguez in the general election, as well as Martinez, who is registered to run in the Working Families Party.

Patch reached out to all candidates in the primary.

Here are Ramos' full answers:

Name

Phil Ramos

City or town of residence

Bay Shore

Office sought

NYS Senate

Party affiliation

Democrat

Education

High School

Occupation

NYS Assemblyman

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

I keep my family info private.

Age

66

Previous public office, appointive or elective

NYS Assemblyman in the 6th Assembly District

Why are you seeking this office?

To continue the good work, I have done as the Assemblyman and Keep delivering for our communities from a larger platform.

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

After 20 years of rising to leadership within the Assembly I have a consistent track record of delivering and navigating state Legislature which has benefited my district in unprecedented ways. In Addition, I have had the courage to speak truth to power on many Issues. Anytime I've come across a tough decision I follow my moral compass and take the time to educate my community on the issue rather than vote in a way that is against my principles. I've always put people before politics.

If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?

It's an open seat.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

Making sure that all communities get their piece of the pie, and that none get left behind. I would like to promote more civic engagement like I've done in the 6th Assembly District by helping form over 36 different civic organizations. I want to assure that our school would get sufficient funding and support our police by giving them the tools to do their job such as investment in latest technology while at the same time creating a balance where the civil rights are respected.

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

I have secured historic amounts of funding for my Assembly District, secured millions of dollars to improve our parks, fought to bring Hundreds of millions of additional dollars to our schools, sponsored and Passed Historic legislation like SAFE ACT, Property Tax Cap and expended access to Healthcare for Millions of New Yorkers. In addition, my 20 years' experience as a cop, prior to being a NYS Assemblyman has given me a unique insight into 4th Senate district from ground up.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Being an Elected official is not about making speeches, it's about listening to people and keeping your word and do not promise that you cannot deliver.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

If given the opportunity to Represent SD4, I will fight for my District with the skills of a 20-year State Assemblyman and draw on my experience as a 20-year Police officer to deliver policies, legislation and funding that tend to the needs of my constituents. Having risen through the ranks of the Assembly to be appointed as the Assistant Speaker of the house by my peers is an indication of their confidence in me and my abilities to personally negotiate major policies with Various Governors over the last 20 years. I've been in the room where it happens and have been part of making it happen.