Tony Nunziato for NY State Assembly - Queens Tribune 2008 Voter Guide

The Queens Tribune asked all the Queens candidates with contested seats to participate in our Voter Guide by providing a photo, brief biography and answers to six questions. These are the unedited responses we received from the candidates.

Assembly Candidate Questions
1) What is the first step you would take in the Assembly’s 2009 session to improve the state’s economy?
2) What is your legislative position on gay marriage?
3) Has mayoral control of the city’s schools produced the results Mayor Bloomberg has promised, and would you vote to reauthorize the same level of control?
4) Explain why you would support or oppose eliminating member items on at least a temporary basis until the state’s economy rebounds.
5) Explain if you support reinstatement of the commuter tax and whether you perceive it as being beneficial or harmful to the state and the City.
6) What do you see as the most important economic development project in Queens? What would you do as an Assembly member to galvanize its development?

Marge Markey
30th Assembly District
Democrat

Margaret Markey, a life-long resident of Maspeth, was elected to the New York State Assembly in 1998 after serving her community as a Community Board member, spearheading the drive which led to the founding of Maspeth Town Hall and serving at Queens Borough Hall where she established the borough’s Office of Tourism. In the Assembly she is Chair of the House Operations Committee and serves on the Agriculture, Consumer Affairs, Government Operations, Tourism & Sports, Labor and Racing & Wagering Committees.

1) We are not waiting; there will be a special Assembly session in mid-November to re-examine current spending. M y priority will be to ensure funding for special projects that provide economic activity and employment. To preserve and provide new jobs, we also need to support small businesses and help new ones get started by creating incubator spaces in such areas as LIC and West Maspeth.
2) I conducted a survey among my constituents on the subject and found that their overwhelming view was in support of civil unions not gay marriage and my vote reflected that view.
3) There will be no blank check to reauthorize mayoral control. Not only do we need to seriously examine the results of the past few years, we also need to have an independent assessment and hear from parents, teachers and other interest groups at community forums and public hearings. Many have already expressed concern about overcrowding, zoning and input in the public education process and we need to seriously understand these concerns.
4) Speaking for myself and for my district, I know “member items” provide a valuable resource for vital community organizations and programs not large enough to compete in normal funding processes. As someone who founded a non-profit some years ago, I know how important even a few thousand dollars can be to a small organization’s budget.
5) Yes, I agree with the Speaker who has proposed it should be re-instated, even though Senator Skelos is opposed. However, with unemployment already serious and expected to grow sharply, this may not be the time to pursue the subject. Another consideration is the threat reciprocal taxation on Bronx, Queens and Brooklyn residents who work outside of New York City.
6) There are actually two, in different parts of the borough. I provided testimony for the City Council hearing to support the Willets Point development and will work with my Queens colleagues to get it approved and underway. As a member of the Assembly Racing & Wagering Committee, I have pressed for development at the underutilized Aqueduct site, which will provide important future benefits for southern Queens.

Tony Nunziato
30th Assembly District
Republican

Born and raised in Woodside, Queens, Tony Nunziato graduated from St. Sebastian catholic elementary school and Power Memorial Academy. After getting married, Tony moved to Maspeth and started his own small business, Enchanted Florist on Grand Avenue. For 25 years, Tony has distinguished himself as a business, civic and community advocate.

1) New York’s business environment is anything but friendly. In the 2009 legislative session, I will co-sponsor the “Small Business Improvement Act.” This bill is designed to assist small businesses in their dealings with state government. It allows small businesses to access their fair share of government contracts, and will create new jobs.
2) I strongly oppose efforts to legalize the union of same-sex couples. Marriage is a sacred institution between one man and one woman.
3) Mayor Bloomberg has demonstrated bold leadership in taking over our public school system. While I believe that the Department of Education is far from perfect, I support extending mayoral control. Putting an emphasis on results for students and preparing them for new technologies and the jobs of the future is essential.
4) Despite New York’s rough financial climate, I would oppose eliminating member items. Many of these grants provide much needed assistance to local groups such as senior centers, youth programs and neighborhood civic associations.
5) Balancing the city and state budgets is now increasingly difficult. That’s why I support the reinstatement of the Commuter Tax. My opponent’s decision to support the repeal of the commuter tax ten years ago has cost New York City taxpayers at least $500 million per year in lost revenue.
6) The Gotham Center economic development project would serve as the gateway to Queens and seeing this project come to fruition would be one of my top priorities. Replacing the municipal parking garage at Queens Plaza with much needed commercial and residential space would be a tremendous boost for my district.