Meet the Candidates

Ali Boak talking to voters

In just a few short Tuesday's, voters all across the country will be exercising their right to vote in both the national and local elections. This Tuesday, Pace students, faculty, and some locals had the opportunity to meet and talk with some of the candidates in these local elections.

The event, called “Meet the Candidates” took place from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Kessel Multipurpose Room. During this time, the attendees were urged to register to vote if they hadn’t, and were urged to make sure they actually get out and vote come election day. Following this, candidates for positions including District Attorney, State Senate, and the State Assembly took their time to talk to the voters about important issues that they want to focus on if elected.

The first candidate to speak was State Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins (D), who is seeking reelection. Cousins reinforced the importance of getting out to vote after speaking of her own experience of losing her first election by just 18 votes. Following her, first time candidate Bruce Bendish (I) who is running for District Attorney of Westchester spoke of how he believes it is important that we try and combat the drug problem, specifically heroin, in New York.

Bruce Bendish speaking to attendees

Current Assemblywoman Sandy Galef (D), who is seeking reelection, told attendees about her ideas on campaign and fundraising reform needed in Albany. Following her, candidate Ali Boak (D) running for State Senate spoke about the need for programs like Planned Parenthood, and how the state needs to address subjects like human trafficking. Current Assemblyman Thomas Abinanti (D) who is also seeking reelection told attendees about his ideas on what we need to do about access and services for students with disabilities. Lastly, Tony Scarpino (D) who is also District Attorney for Westchester spoke about fairness and justice in legal system, specifically for victims of sexual assault.

Tony Scarpino ending the night speaking to voters

Students and others interested in learning more about these candidates can visit their websites online, and can exercise their right to vote come election day on November 8th, 2016.