Donna Lupardo is the incumbent representing the 123rd Assembly District in the New York State Assembly. Running as the Democratic candidate, she has held the seat since 2005 and chairs the Committee on Agriculture, co-chairs the Legislature’s Aviation Caucus and heads the Legislative Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol’s New York wing. Questionnaire responses have been lightly edited for clarity.
What motivated you to run for this position?
I wanted to bring new points of view to the group of elected officials who represented the area at the time. I was the first woman elected to the Assembly from this area, which brought in a new dynamic. I was also focused on issues that were not being discussed when I first ran, including environmental contamination, health disparities and economic conversion. I am now completing my 10th term and have several leadership positions in the Assembly. I chair the Committee on Agriculture and Food and serve on the following committees — economic development, higher education, transportation and rules.
How does your background and previous experience make you a strong candidate for this position?
I moved to this community from Staten Island to attend graduate school at Binghamton University. I then taught at BU for ten years before spending 15 years working in community mental health education. I served one term on the County Legislature and have represented the area in the Assembly since 2005. I am a senior member of the Assembly majority which is very beneficial to BU and the community at-large.
Why are you an ideal candidate for young voters and students?
I’ve spent my entire career focused on bringing new life to our local economy in ways that will benefit everyone. I’ve directed substantial state resources to major developments at BU, raised issues of critical importance concerning climate change, equity, choice, child care, food insecurity and more. I’ve also passed numerous pieces of legislation including the Safe School Drinking Water Act and the Soil Health and Climate Resiliency Act, along with many others of interest to younger voters.
Polling has indicated that cost of living is a big concern, especially for young voters. What are your plans to address this?
As we all know, the cost of living is determined by what people actually spend on health care, education, transportation, taxes, food and housing in a particular location. State legislators can impact some but not all of these factors — the federal government plays an even bigger role. In NY, I continue to support having the wealthiest pay their fair share so that we can pass savings along to our communities. I also advocate for SUNY and K-12 institutions, local transit systems, affordable housing construction and NY’s Healthcare Exchange to name a few.
How would you vote on Proposal No. 1 on the New York State ballot?
I am voting yes; I was a co-sponsor of the enabling legislation that put this proposal on the ballot. The goal is to enshrine in the NYS Constitution already existing anti-discrimination protections, including the right to reproductive health care. Opponents have cast this as a radical expansion of rights, an upending of girls sports, and a way for children to receive gender-affirming surgery without parental approval. None of these arguments have any factual basis.
How would you address any one of the major issues facing Broome County residents?
The main issues facing Broome County residents are all interconnected. They involve high taxes, high rates of poverty, a shortage of workers and a need for housing across all demographics. I am working on all these fronts at the same time. Regarding one issue, workforce development, we just broke ground on a new Trades Complex at BOCES to assist with training CDL truck drivers, electricians for solar installations, heavy construction workers and other specialties in high demand. I also introduced legislation creating the “Empire State Community College Workforce Guarantee,” and support numerous local job development programs.