Return to Massapequa Online
Return to Archive
Date: Oct. 30, 1996
Carl Lowe and Steve Labriola both have one thing in common; they're both candidates for the assembley seat left vacant by the passing of Assemblyman Phil Healy. Healy, whom the candidates agree was one of the most loved public officials in Nassau County, has been honored and memorialized since his death like none other. Bethpage State Parkway and Florence Avenue beach are both being renamed in his honor.
Steve Labriola is the Republican and Conservative nominee and Carl Lowe is the Democrat's. Walking door to door, Steve Labriola has attempted to cover the entire assembly district to "introduce" himself to the community while Carl Lowes' approach has been to make stop's at supermarket's and train station's. Both we're asked question's on key issues that affect the citizen's of the twelfth assembly district.
Government
On the "Role of Government" in respect to business in New York State both candidates showed to hold very different philosophical viewpoints. Lowe say's government's job is to "ensure that there is an equal playing field where all businesses have a chance to compete against each other." In contrast Labriola say's "Government has to be reminded that it doesn't necessarily create job's. When government creates job's it's putting more people on the payroll. What government should do is to facilitate the climate," in a way that Labriola say's will "let the free market work." Labriola say's that government has encroached to far into business to cause more harm than it intended.
Labriola cites the "Cuomo Tax" as being an example of the government stifling the free market.
Lowe added that government's job is also to "ensure that businesses don't pollute or commit frauds."
"There is some benefit to giving tax incentives for businesses to stay here," say's Lowe "But the businesses have to hold up to their end of the bargain." Lowe says that businesses have to be sent a message that businesses can't take tax incentives, like the Economic Improvement Zones, and leave the state.
Labriola cites his work on the business Improvement District program as one of his accomplishment's. The BID concept organizes the local merchants with the Chamber of Commerce to organize festivals and street fairs. The revenue raised from these event's would go toward's Improving the district's visual appearance, purchasing empty lot's for parking, etc. Labriola cites the success of the Italian Festival on North Broadway last month as being an example of the BID concept as a working proposal.
Taxes
Labriola says that as assemblyman he will support the execution of the remainder of Governor Pataki's tax cut plan. Labriola says that the average taxpayer will save twenty five percent in taxes. Lowe says that "It's fooling people to tell them that their going to get a tax decrease, while not telling them that were going to have to find the money some place else." Lowe believes that this "shortfall" would end result in higher property taxes. Labriola say's that Property Taxes have to be controlled by School Districts. "There has to be some control in spending, they have to contain cost's" referring to the school budgets, "While the enrollments have been steady or declining, the school district's continuously increase spending."
Education
Steve Labriola and Carl Lowe claim to commited to supporting the State and community colleges. "I would resist any increases in tuition," says Labriola. Lowe added "They pay for themselves in that people who get higher paying jobs and create new businesses."
Gun Control
On the other hand drastic differences between the candidates becomes apparent over the gun control issue. "I don't understand what anyone would need with an assault weapon," say's Lowe, "I'm for controls on assault weapons." Labriola says however that he believes that guns should only be in the hand's of "responsible" people. "Theres really no correlation between strict gun control and crime rates."
Police and Crime
Both candidates say they are strongly in support of the police force. Labriola, who has been endorsed by every major police organization in Nassau, Suffolk, and NYC, says "we should support our Police force and not second guess them in time of crisis," adding that investigation's into Police misconduct cases should be handled by internal affairs.
Lowe says crime should be controlled by preventing the use of drugs. "We really need to be vigilant about keeping drugs out. We have to increase education on drug abuse, specially teenagers who are a very vulnerable group."
Labriola's stand is that crime should be controlled by punishing criminals, "I don't belive this reform business, that you reform criminals. I think that punishment is their reform."
The Environment
"We really need to make an attempt to clean up the Long Island Sound," says Carl Lowe expressing his concern for the environment; which is major theme in both the candidates campaign themes. Labriola cites the Environmental Bond Act, proposition 1 on the ballot, as a major "shot in the arm" for cleaning up the environment.
Labriola emphasizes his commitment for finding a viable solution to Solid Waste Disposal problem. "There is no long term solution (currently) to getting rid of our waste," argues the Massapequa Republican. Labriola has been endorsed by the New York League of Environmental Voters.
Senior Citizen Concerns
"We need to insure that there is adequate Medicare and Medicaid for seniors who require it," says Steve Labriola, "They need to be streamlined to ensure that they don't go bankrupt." Labriola says that a cut in the Personal Income Tax is needed to help relieve the burden on Senior Citizens. Lowe argues however that, "all the Income tax breaks in the world aren't going to help them." Lowe believes that more programs are needed to help relieve the Property Tax burden and lowering living expenses, such as LILCO.
