Assemblyman Marge Markey, center, kicks off her reelection bid with supporters, including U.S. Rep. Joe Crowley, second from left, at the end of May. Photo by Phil Corso
More than 15 years in the state Assembly means much more than many might think, state Assemblywoman Margaret Markey (D-Maspeth) said in an interview detailing her reelection bid.
The veteran lawmaker said her years in the state legislature have gotten her to a point where other government top dogs tune in when she has something to say regarding her 30th Assembly District, which includes Astoria, Long Island City, Maspeth, Middle Village, Woodside and Sunnyside.
“Seniority is very important,” she said. “When you build up seniority and he sees you are truly a representative of your community, you are better able to pass legislation, bring money home to the district and you really become a serious voice.”
Markey launched her newest campaign in late May by gathering petitions with help from U.S. Rep. Joe Crowley (D-Jackson Heights), who also heads the Queens County Democratic Party, with the mantra, “Experience counts.” Community advocate and former Panel for Educational Policy member Dmytro Fedkowskyj recently announced his bid for her seat, setting up a Democratic primary later this year.
But she has not been spending too much time on the campaign trail, Markey said, because she has another job to fulfill.
“I’m still going back and forth to Albany. My focus is on the work we have to complete there,” she said. “Right now, the taxpayers are paying me to go to Albany and that’s what I’m doing.”
Markey said she was more than familiar with her district, which includes mostly one or two family homes and apartment buildings.
“The people who live here have the same interests. They want a safe community and want good educational facilities,” she said. “I really love the district. They’re good people.”
Over the years, Markey said she has countless achievements in the Assembly and a record of bringing money home to her district. She celebrated legislative victories including funding increases for education, healthcare and senior services throughout her district and said her years in government have helped make it possible.
The lawmaker called on her years of experience in the Assembly as a platform that propelled her to becoming a powerful member of the Ways and Means Committee as well as chair the Tourism, Parks, Arts and Sports Development Committee.
“In addition to my work in Albany over the past two years, I have continued to deliver support for local community service and nonprofit organizations,” Markey said. “I don’t believe any other Democrat can be more effective in Albany than me for the people of our 30th District over the next two years.”
In 2005, Markey championed legislation that eliminated the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse crimes to ensure that victims get justice, she said. She also said she was particularly proud of a consumer protections law she helped pass that banned the sale of box cutters to minors throughout the state.
Looking ahead, Markey said she would also keep the city’s tourism industry as one of her top priorities while balancing the expenditure of the state’s tourist-promotion spending between upstate and downstate regions.
“I really do feel I am giving it my best,” she said. “I’ve worked hard for my district. I think I’ve done my homework.”
By Phil Corso
