Republican incumbent Steven Labriola is seeking re-election to his seat in the 12th Assembly District. The assemblyman, who is also running on the Independence and Conservative lines, is hoping this election will award him a fourth term in office.

Labriola has a master's degree in government, politics and public administration from St. John's University. He worked as director of operations for the Town of Oyster Bay before his election to the Assembly six years ago.

If re-elected, Labriola said one of his top priorities would be fighting for the passage of a bill to put the most dangerous pedophiles and rapists in secure mental health facilities after they have been released from prison. "We already have Megan's Law, which notifies the community about these offenders' whereabouts," Labriola said. "This is the next logical step for us."

According to Labriola, the US Supreme Court has ruled it is not a violation of the Constitution under the double jeopardy clause, and several states have already adopted the law. "There is a small but dangerous percentage of Level 3 offenders released back into the community that are more than likely to commit their crimes again," Labriola said. "They destroy children's lives, they destroy women's lives. There is no cure."

One local project Labriola said he would like to see reach completion is traffic improvement along Sunrise Highway in Massapequa, commonly referred to as the Sunrise Corridor. "This heavily congested area has a very high accident rate," Labriola said. "I have already got the Department of Transportation to commit to several million dollars in improvements. Working with State Senator Charles Fuschillo and Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor John Venditto, we have presented a plan to the public. Now it is a matter of making the plan acceptable to the community."

Another local project that Labriola is interested in is the Liberty Superfund site in Farmingdale. "I'd like to see the transfer of property go through, the cleanup well on the way to completion. Ultimately, I'd like to see the site become a productive property for the township, as well as the community.

Labriola said he sees the rebuilding of New York's infrastructure and economy in the wake of the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center as one of the biggest issues affecting New York today. "I'd like to get the state back on track while continuing the STAR program and maintaining our commitments to education and health care," Labriola said. "We expect that next year will be a difficult year. The full effect of September 11 will be felt. We expect a shortfall in revenue, and health care and education comprise more than half of the state's general fund. If we can get through the next year without cuts to programs we are already committed to, that would be a great accomplishment."

Labriola added he would look for other ways to stimulate revenue for the state, such as the tax on cigarettes and Powerball gambling.

The 12th Assembly District, which includes the Massapequas, Plainedge and South Farmingdale, was recently redistricted to include areas of Levittown, Island Trees, North Wantagh and part of Seaford.

"They have added quite a few residents to my district, so I've been working very hard in those areas trying to get to know people and hoping that they will support me," Labriola said.

His qualifications and experience are what he feels sets him apart from the competition. "I understand the legislative process. I know how to get things done for people. I know what levers to pull in government. I have the ability to work efficiently and effectively on behalf of the people," Labriola said. "These are times that would really call for an experienced person because next year is going to be a difficult year."