Charles Fuschillo, who represents the 8th State Senate District, was first elected to that body in 1998. He describes himself as a lifelong Long Islander who earned a B.B.A. in Finance from Adelphi University. Senator Fuschillo resides in Merrick with his wife, Ellen, and their three children.

In Merrick, Fuschillo is involved in local community organizations, including Kiwanis, the Chamber of Commerce, the Community Wellness Council, Italian-Americans in Government and the Order of Sons of Italy in America.

In Albany, Fuschillo is Chairman of the Senate's Consumer Protection Committee, and is a member of the Civil Service & Pensions Committee, the Commerce, Economic Development & Small Business Committee, the Education Committee, the Health Committee, the Labor Committee, and the Transportation Committee.

During his time in Albany, Senator Fuschillo has authored laws to take drunk drivers off local roadways, protect citizens from identity theft, enhance privacy safeguards for consumers, and improve public health protections.

Fuschillo authored the law lowering the legal blood-alcohol limit to .08; created tougher penalties for drunk drivers who kill or injure; wrote the law creating the "Do Not Call" Registry; created the law requiring companies to notify consumers when their private personal information has been put at risk because of a security breach; and sponsored the law allowing consumers to place a security freeze on their credit information with out their consent.

Fuschillo was also authored the State's Clean Indoor Air Law. He has fought to ensure that autism patients receive equitable care from their insurance companies; created a law preventing convicted sex offenders from obtaining a real estate license; raised penalties for criminals who impersonate federal law enforcement officers; and delivered "record" state education aid to help reduce property taxes.

Asked about ways to ease the burden on local taxpayers, Fuschillo noted that since school taxes account for approximately two-thirds of families' total property tax bills, restraining school tax increases is "vital to helping reduce the tax burden on local families."

Fuschillo said he supports legislation, passed by the state senate, which would place a cap on school property tax levy increases at 4 percent. The legislation, he added, also provided mandate relief to reduce costs for school districts.

Fuschillo also cited legislative action in August that resulted in savings in the state budget. The Senate and Assembly, he said, passed $427 million in savings this year and $649 million next year, action, he said, that will save over $1 billion over the next two years.

In addition, the state senate, Fuschillo said, has passed a constitutional spending cap that would cap year-to-year state spending increases at 4 percent. If passed by the Assembly and signed into law, such legislation, he said, would save over $2.8 billion in the next fiscal year.

"Local families are having to tighten their belts to make ends meet," Fuschillo observed. "Albany needs to do the same."

On the subject of illegal immigration, which is being debated on by state legislatures throughout the country, Fuschillo said: "The federal government is responsible for regulating immigration and creating a comprehensive policy to address illegal immigration. Washington needs to take action to resolve this issue."

The 8th Senate district includes Massapequa, Seaford, Wantagh, Bellmore, Merrick, Freeport, Roosevelt, North Bellmore, and North Merrick.

Carol A. Gordon, a longtime resident of Massapequa, is the Democratic Party's candidate for the 8th State Senate District. Ms. Gordon has dedicated over 30 years to community and volunteer services, including reaching out to those in need of support and encouragement.

Ms. Gordon has served as Mental Health Clinic Manager and Patient Advocate at the Department of Veterans Affairs, where she served local veterans for 25 years. In this role, Ms. Gordon developed a strong commitment to the American Veterans and initiated many support programs, including championing an effort to have the first women veterans admitted to an all male unit. She also served as manager of the Federal Women's Program for 22 years, the Women's Veterans Advisory Chair, and was a facilitator in the Women League of Voters, seminars for Health, and a series of self- esteem/ personal development seminar. She is currently the Acting Executive Director at the N. Amityville Community Economic Council (NACEC).

Ms. Gordon is the Vice President of the Breezy Point Civic Association, a member of Save the Jones Beach committee, a member of North Amityville Old School Association, and Third Vice President of N.A.A.C.P. Central Long Island Chapter. In 2008, Carol became a member of the National Organization of Women and the chair of the mentoring and education committee for Urban Financial Services Coalition of Long Island.

Ms. Gordon said she believes in "Empowerment through Education and Information," and is dedicated to providing knowledge and possible solutions to local residents in matters such as the economy, property taxes, the outsourcing of jobs and resources, eco-friendly development, and violence in homes, schools, and on our streets.

Asked why she is running for office, Ms. Gordon said: "Having worked for the Veteran's Administration for 25 years as, among other things, a patient advocate I know first hand how frustrating and difficult it can be for people in need. I felt it was time to use my experience and dedication to help my neighbors and my community. High property taxes, government inaccessibility and skyrocketing energy costs are just a few of the issues burdening taxpayers. They need someone in office not just willing to give them a hand-out, but give them a hand-up."

On ways to ease the tax burden for local taxpayers, Ms. Gordon added: " There are so many ways to put money back in taxpayers pockets. One of the biggest areas to be addressed is educational spending. Administrative costs are out of control. Funding needs to be looked out and addressed. Consolidation is key in so many areas, from school districts to special services."

On the subject of illegal immigration, which is being debated on by state legislatures throughout the country, Ms. Gordon said: "I believe in the current financial climate, illegal aliens are becoming a non issue. Illegal aliens are not taking money out of our pockets, mismanaged government spending is. The effect of illegal immigration on our quality of life needs to be addressed, such as multiple family dwelling and the burdens illegal immigrants place on our health services, but first we must affect change from the top down, not the bottom up."

The 8th Senate district includes Massapequa, Seaford, Wantagh, Bellmore, Merrick, Freeport, Roosevelt, North Bellmore, and North Merrick.