Kwani B. O'Pharrow for New York State Assembly 11th District
Democrat Kwani O'Pharrow is running for election in New York State Assembly District 11. Credit: James Escher
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When Assemb. Kimberly Jean-Pierre announced last spring that she would not seek reelection after a decade representing the 11th District, constituents hoped for a successor who would continue the work she began.
Two strong candidates are now looking to fill her role — Democrat Kwani B. O'Pharrow, of West Babylon, and Republican Joseph R. Cardinale, of Amityville.
Both O'Pharrow and Cardinale are retired New York City police officers. Both support a statewide universal free school lunch program, incentives to build more affordable housing, and funds for improved infrastructure. And both are thoughtful, capable public servants.
Cardinale, 70, advocates for further changes to the state's bail laws, arguing that crime continues to be a significant problem. He opposes congestion pricing, saying funding should come from sources that don't adversely impact Long Islanders, and says the red light camera program should be replaced by police patrols. He points to the billions of dollars spent to help migrants in New York City as a pot of money that could be used for education aid, improved infrastructure, and additional district services — while seeking federal funds to address the migrant crisis.
O'Pharrow, who works in the Brentwood school district, has a more nuanced understanding of the complex issues he thinks should be part of any reworking of the education funding formula, including mental health, emotional health and "wraparound services" for students in need. He suggests speaking with individual communities' leaders to determine whether red light cameras are needed, and would support the program's renewal if they are. O'Pharrow, 53, advocates providing state resources to support migrants in New York City and on Long Island, noting that children who've come to communities like Brentwood require schooling, afterschool care and other services and should not be denied. And the U.S. Navy veteran speaks passionately about his commitment to seniors and to veterans.
O'Pharrow also deems the region's mass transit system a priority, saying he would back a congestion pricing plan if it meant upgrading the Long Island Rail Road and mass transit more broadly. "I'm looking at long-term goals here for New York City and the Island as a whole," O'Pharrow said.
O'Pharrow has a better understanding of his district's neighborhoods, a willingness to listen to residents' perspectives, and a readiness to lead.
Newsday's editorial board endorses O'Pharrow.
ENDORSEMENTS ARE DETERMINED solely by the Newsday editorial board, a team of opinion journalists focused on issues of public policy and governance. Newsday’s news division has no role in this process.
