Meet The Candidates: Assemb. Joseph DeStefano Seeks 3rd Term

MEDFORD, NY — Incumbent Republican Assemb. Joseph DeStefano is seeking a third term representing the 3rd Assembly District in Albany on Nov. 8.

With Election Day just around the corner, Patch has been reaching out to the candidates to find out why they are running this November.

Here is what the assemblyman had to say:

Candidate's Name:

Joseph DeStefano

Campaign website:

https://www.votejoedestefano.c...

City or town of residence:

Medford

Office sought:

Assembly District 3

Party affiliation:

Republican-Conservative

Education:

1978 graduate of Patchogue/Medford High School and earned an Associate Degree in Business Management from Suffolk Community College.

Occupation:

Two-term assemblyman

Family:

Married with a son and daughter, as well as grandchildren.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

None

Age:

62

Previous public office, appointive or elective:

Medford fire commissioner and assemblyman

Why are you seeking this office?

I’m running for re-election to continue my long career of service to my community. I began as a volunteer fireman more than 40 years ago and currently serve as a commissioner for the Medford Fire District.

I worked in the Suffolk Sheriff’s office for 27 years before I was elected to the assembly.

I’m a member of the Medford Chamber of Commerce and the civic association. I go to a lot of meetings and help many people and organizations. I guess you can say that public service is in my blood.

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

I am against out-of-control government spending, outrageous taxes and fees; resulting inflation, and the devastating impact this has had on families and local businesses. I'm a vocal opponent of the dangerous new bail laws, de-funding the police, and the anti-police rhetoric that has brought us the worst crime wave we've ever seen.

My opponent comes from a party, dominated by New York City politicians, who brought us all of this.

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

I’m looking to continue the fight to make our communities safer by repealing the disastrous new bail laws; supporting the men and women of law enforcement and emergency services, and stopping the 'de-fund the police movement.' I’m also helping lead the fight against wasteful government spending, high taxes, and inflation.

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

I’ve been a loud and consistent voice against the pro-criminal, anti-police atmosphere that has driven up the crime rate across our state. I serve as a persistent alternate to the progressive policies that are dominating Albany, causing us to be the highest-taxed state with one of the worst economic outlooks.

I pushed hard to reopen New York after the COVID-19 lockdown and I have fought to return the emergency powers assumed by the governor back to the elected legislators. I’m also proud of the bill I pushed through that recognizes emergency operators as first responders because of their critical role in keeping us safe and giving departments the ability to raise revenue through ambulance service fees.

In addition, I was happy to be a part of getting the library annex project off the ground in Medford.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Focus on family and community service.

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

My public service career started in 1980 when I volunteered with the Medford Fire Department, and I have been answering calls ever since. For the past 27 years, I've served as a fire district commissioner, having also held the positions of fire police lieutenant, 2nd lieutenant, department recording secretary, department vice president, and department president. I've also served with the Medford Volunteer Ambulance Company for the last 38 years.

I was a Public Safety Communication Supervisor in the Suffolk County Sheriff’s office, where I managed the day-to-day operations of the dispatchers as well as supervised radio communications and other vital functions for 27 years. Enjoying widespread support from the working men and women of my district, I was the unit president of the Sheriff’s probation civilian unit, representing over 200 Suffolk County Association of Municipal Employees members.