Dear Editor:
This fall, Rockaway voters will go to the polls in one of the most competitive legislative races in all of New York. Assembly District 23 has been selected by City and State as one of the races to watch, and ElectIndex labels the district as a tossup, with a slight edge given to Republican Tom Sullivan. But when was the last time the Rockaways elected a Republican to the State Assembly?
The answer: 1946
Back in the mid-to-late 1940s, the Rockaways were part of the Queens Twelfth Assembly District, along with Rosedale, Laurelton, Springfield Gardens, St. Albans, and South Jamaica. In 1946, voters elected Republican Henry Schneider, Jr. to represent them in Albany. Schneider had a background in insurance and real estate, and was deeply involved in local fraternal, civic, and political organizations.
Although he served just one term, Schneider used his time in office to advocate on behalf of his constituents. By the end of his term, he was taking on the New York International Airport (now JFK), raising concerns over “low flying and noise which endangers the health and comfort of the residents.” Nearly 80 years later, those problems seemingly persist to this day.
Schneider’s story raises a larger question: what other long-standing issues have politicians promised to solve, only for them to remain unresolved decades later?
Take Peninsula Hospital. When the hospital closed in 2012, politicians promised they would use their influence in Albany to bring a Level I Trauma Center to the Rockaways. It’s been 14 years and not a single cent has been allocated in the state budget to make that promise a reality.
This year, Rockaway has the choice to vote for change. Instead of electing another politician who promises everything and delivers nothing, why don’t we elect someone who’s like us? Someone who’s had to earn every dollar they’ve earned. Someone who’s served our country and our communities. Someone who’s not reliant on political patronage.
Tom Sullivan is that man. He’s served four combat tours overseas, he’s run a small business (the legendary Brennan & Carr), and he’s involved in countless civic and charitable organizations. Some will say that if Tom Sullivan wins he’ll be in the minority in Albany. They’re right. Unlike most politicians, Tom isn’t beholden to political bosses or special interests.
When you enter the voting booth, remember, we have the chance to make history in Rockaway. We don’t have to vote for another 78 years of the same old, same old. Change is on the ballot.
Sean Lisk
