Massapequan William Funk is the Democratic candidate in the upcoming election for the 12th Assembly District. Funk seeks to fill the seat of former Assemblyman Steve Labriola, which was vacated at the beginning of January. The 12th AD includes all or part of the communities of the Massapequas, Plainedge, Farmingdale, Island Trees, North Wantagh and Seaford.

Funk cited his experience in both state and local government as making him particularly qualified for this position. He served at the New York State Senate as a staff member in the Office of the State Comptroller from 1994 to 1995, and as a top aide to Presiding Officer Judith Jacobs, Nassau County Legislature, from 1996 to 2001.

"I know how Albany works, I know how the Nassau County Legislature works," Funk said. "My opponent only has town experience."

Funk also stressed that, if elected, he would be a member of the majority in the assembly. "Everyone knows that in order for anything to get done, you need to work in the majority and you need to be able to work with the other side," Funk said. "I would be a member of over 100 strong in the Democratic majority, while my opponent will have no influence as a minority member of the assembly. I also have experience working in bipartisan effort, working to get things done."

Funk is presently executive director of corporate affairs at Nassau OTB. In his capacity at OTB, Funk is a part of the senior management team, which administers contracts, authorizes purchases, acts as liaison to labor, and is involved in lease and land acquisition. Due to his aggressive involvement and the support of the Concerned Citizens of Farmingdale, NROTB began the process to acquire the former adult club property known as the "Raven's Nest," which is adjacent to the Farmingdale OTB branch. Fulfilling a promise Funk made to the community, NROTB acquired the property and demolished the building.

Funk also serves as secretary and as a board member of the civic group Friends of the Massapequa Preserve. This group is dedicated to the promotion and protection of the preserve. In this role, Funk has been "hands on" by painting out graffiti and cleaning up debris, as well as advocating on behalf of the preserve by working with state and local government officials.

"I am especially interested in the Bethpage Parkway corridor," Funk explained. "It needs to be converted to state park status so that it receives greater protection. If I am elected, I will make sure that this happens."

Funk's goals for the district include fighting against unfunded state mandates, working with the Democratic Assembly Majority to fight for Medicaid relief for Nassau County taxpayers, protecting funds for Long Island schools, and proposing NY First Initiatives for the purpose of keeping jobs on Long Island and in the state.

Additionally, Funk has been outspoken about the fact that three separate elections have been scheduled for the month of March, a practice that he claims is affecting taxpayers' time and money. The Special Election for the 12th district of the New York State Assembly is scheduled for March 9, a week after the New York Presidential Primary and a week before the Villages of Massapequa Park and Farmingdale village elections.

"In the bitter cold, some voters are expected to vote three Tuesdays in a row in the month of March," Funk stated. "It would have made financial sense and encourage voter participation to conduct the special election on the same date as the Presidential Primary or the village elections."

As a member of assembly, Funk said he would seek election reform to encourage voter participation by having Special Elections occur on scheduled election dates and permit the expansion of voting by mail.

"Governor George Pataki, in his State of the State, expressed that he wanted to control expenses and relieve local governments from unfunded state mandates," Funk said. "An assembly special election is an unfunded state mandate that will cost the taxpayers of Nassau County as much as $200,000. The Nassau County Board of Elections is already prepared for the Presidential Primary and the village elections. Why add an unnecessary financial burden on our taxpayers?"

In addition to his position with OTB, Funk is an adjunct instructor of history and political science at Nassau Community College. He earned an MA in political science from C.W. Post University and a BA in history and political science from the State University at Albany. He is especially proud to have been a graduate of Nassau Community College and his experience as student government president in 1992.

As an avid cyclist, Funk blended his passion and political activism by completing the Alaskan AIDS Ride. He raised funds for AIDS research by completing a 500 mile, six-day bike tour from Fairbanks to Anchorage in July 2001.

Funk resides in Massapequa with his wife Jenni.

The election will take place Tuesday, March 9.