David Sidikman was first elected to the New York State Assembly in 1992 and he is running this year for re-election in the 13th Assembly District on the Democratic Party line.

According to Sidikman, education is his top priority. "Two years ago, statewide, we were able to bring back $1.2 billion more than the year before to our school districts," said Sidikman, who is a longtime resident of Old Bethpage where he lives with his wife Diane, who teaches handicapped children. "Last year, the governor wanted to give us zero increase and we managed to bring back $400 million. I am proud of that because in the 13th Assembly District we have some of the best schools in the country."

Environmental issues are also high on Sidikman's "To Do" list if re-elected. "Environmentally I am able to bring millions of dollars to the waterfront revitalization in Glen Cove and also on the western waterfront project," said Sidikman. "I also worked on the Underhill Property and it looks like we have a deal. It has been many years that we worked behind the scenes and everyone has come together and it is wonderful because we want to preserve the little land that is left in our area."

Sidikman points out that the entire country will be faced with a budget deficit in the coming year. "There are only two ways to correct it - raising taxes and fees or cut back services," he said. "Our job, when we go back, will be to weigh all of the options very carefully. We will be required to have a balanced budget. We are going to try and find many ways to save and have to set priorities to the programs. There is always the hope that by the time the budget is due in April, the economy will have turned around. We have to take the economic problems very seriously and we are going to have to work carefully on that."

Sidikman is the sponsor of the shared parenting bill, which would give shared parenting to divorcing couples with children as long as there is no showing that one of the parents is unfit to be a parent. He was the sponsor of the women's health and wellness act of 2002, which expanded women's access to mammography and health care screenings and treatment.

Sidikman said that although he is only running on one party line, that is enough to get him elected. "My opponent is running on the Right to Life Party line and I am pro choice," he said.

Sidikman hopes to be re-elected next week and believes his experience is needed to best represent the 13th Assembly District. "I love the job - I am a full-time legislator," he said. "We need experienced people who know how things work, who know how to get things done to get through the difficult times. I am running on my record, which I am very proud of."

Jacqueline Biggio is running for election in the 13th Assembly District on the Republican, Independence, Conservative and Right to Life Party Lines. Although she is a newcomer to politics, she hopes to make a difference once elected. "No one can do one thing by themselves, but if everybody helps a little bit, we can make a difference," said Biggio.

Biggio is the founder and CEO of a security company, which has grown from a small security firm into a leading Long Island business with 250 employees, specializing in the protection of buildings, offices and private communities.

First on her agenda, if elected next week, is to take a tougher stance on crime. "Currently there is a five-year statute of limitations in felony offenses including rape and I want to change that - I don't want there to be any statute at all," she said.

If elected, Biggio also plans to revise the Sexual Reform Act. "In New York State, after a pedophile serves his time in jail, he can walk the streets when he gets out," she said. "I want him to be in civil confinement afterward and have someone to answer to."

Another important issue on Biggio's agenda is women's health and continued research on breast cancer on Long Island. She also hopes to educate women regarding their high risk to heart disease. "While breast cancer is frequently spoken about, many people don't realize that the number one killer of women is heart disease," said Biggio.

Biggio supports the Education Tax Credit proposal whereby parents would be provided with an income tax credit for education-related expenditures such as tutoring, instructional materials, computer equipment and software, tuition and enrichment programs like music and art. "One of my ideas for education would be to use the tobacco money to educate children with tobacco-free kids programs."

By walking through local communities and talking to residents, Biggio has learned the main concerns of those she aims to represent. "I am campaigning seven days a week. The people out there have a positive effect - they are happy to hear from me," she said. "I would be great in Albany. I am very energetic and I have a desire to help - that is very important."

Biggio lives in Syosset, where she has lived for over 25 years, with her husband of 23 years and their two children. She has been recognized for her civic and charitable contributions and is a member of the North Syosset Civic Association and Syosset Chamber of Commerce.