Meet The Candidates: James Kennedy For Nassau County Legislature

MASSAPEQUA, NY — Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 2. With voting just around the corner, Patch is reaching out to candidates across Nassau County to find out why they're running for office, and what they hope to achieve for residents.

Republican James Kennedy is running against Democratic Challenger William Powers to keep his seat representing the Nassau County 12th Legislative District.

The 12th LD includes Massapequa, East Massapequa, Massapequa Park and South Farmingdale.

Kennedy, 49, lives in Massapequa with his wife and two children. He was first elected to the Legislature in 2015.

Working in the Legislature is now Kennedy's full-time job. Before that, he was an elementary school teacher.

Why are you seeking elective office?

I am seeking re-election as Legislator of the 12th LD because it is my home and the place my wife and I are raising our children. There is nothing more important than fighting for and maintaining the quality of life that we are all lucky to enjoy, especially now.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

While I’ve been out knocking on doors in my district I have found TWO things that repeatedly come up - the reassessment mess and the debacle of bail reform. People are scared of what is going to happen to their taxes and they’re also scared of the disastrous policy that has given criminals a free pass. I have fought for transparency and accuracy in the county executives reassessment and will continue in that fight until people have a clearer understanding of what their responsibilities are and can ask questions of those responsible for giving them answers. It is about time! As for bail reform, we must look to our state representatives, who started us down this path. I will continue to ask our state representatives to admit to the dangers of this failed policy and make the changes that are necessary and sensible for the safety of the residents of Nassau County.

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

As Legislator, it has always been my sole priority to do what is best for the people of the 12th Legislative District. During the past 6 years and 8 months I have spent hours going door-to-door and meeting with residents so I know I am representing their views to the best of my ability. I have made sure I am accessible and responsive to the needs of the residents in my district. I have also sponsored numerous measures to ensure that our streets - and our children - are protected; including "See Something, Say Something" Crime Stoppers signage throughout the district and securing cameras in the Peter J. Schmitt Massapequa Preserve to deter crime. I don't know anything about other candidates seeking this position.

How do you think local officials performed in responding to the coronavirus? What if anything would you have done differently?

Local officials worked well across party lines and we were all led by Nassau's Health Commissioner, Dr. Eisenstein, who worked tirelessly alongside the members of the health department to keep residents informed and moving our county forward during the Pandemic. Unfortunately, the County Executive vetoed property tax relief the Republican Majority proposed for 2021.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

The fight to make Nassau more affordable continues to be a top priority and though high taxes from the messy reassessment are concerning many, the topic of public safety has become increasingly important for residents as the bail reform policy of the NYS majority has crime on the rise. Continuing to fight the drug epidemic is extremely important and has also been negatively impacted by bail reform as judges have lost the ability to help those suffering from drug addiction because they no longer have discretion to recommend treatment. I will always support our police and make sure they have whatever they need to do their very difficult jobs and protect the residents of Nassau County.

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

Whether it was hearing resident's general concerns, working successfully with the police department to secure funds for cameras, fighting for cleaner water or passing an Assessment Bill of Rights focused on bringing accuracy, fairness and transparency, I know I am able to effectively advocate for the issues residents care about.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

"Just be yourself and do what you know is right."

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

My wife and I bought our home in Massapequa in 2009 and our children both attend Lockhart Elementary School. I spend most of my spare time coaching my children's sports teams. Having been a teacher in my earlier life, I also enjoy being a catechist for both of my kids through St. Rose of Lima Church. I live in one of the best areas of Nassau County and I am running again this year to help preserve our suburban way of life.