Juan C. Vides

Juan C. Vides

Democratic

BACKGROUND: Vides, 41, of Oceanside, is a computer programmer who owns and operates a web design and internet marketing business.  Born in El Salvador, he was brought to the United States by his parents at age 4. He attended Long Beach public schools and is a 1995 graduate of Long Beach High School. Vides earned an associate's degree in liberal arts from Nassau Community College, and a B.S. degree in computer programming from Farmingdale State College. He served from 2012 to 2018 on the board of the Long Island chapter of the American Heart Association, and from 2016 to 2018 on the board of directors of Bethpage Federal Credit Union. He also served on the board of the Long Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Vides is married.

ISSUES: Vides said his first run for public office is partly in response to recent high-profile government corruption scandals. “People are frustrated with politics and frustrated with their leaders, and a lot of empty promises,” Vides said. “We have a lot of representatives walking out of courthouses.” Vides said he has given up prestigious positions to run for the Assembly.  “I served on two boards and on the boards of chambers of commerce, but I am willing to give everything up to become a public servant,” Vides said. He said if elected he would attempt to “restore faith and trust” in a system he takes pride in being a part of. “I count my blessings that I am in this country every day,” Vides said.  He said, however, that like many Americans, he has been angered by a federal immigration policy that has separated children from their parents. “We have a responsibility to take care of the [immigrant] kids,” he said.