Gubernatorial candidates are asked to debate on Long Island

Incoming Long Island Association president Kevin Law has asked the two major gubernatorial candidates in the state - Democrat Andrew Cuomo and Republican Rick Lazio - to debate on the Island in October.

Law, currently chief executive of the Long Island Power Authority, becomes LIA president Sept. 1. Law said he sent the letter late last week. Political observers said Cuomo and Lazio are likely to hold as many as three debates - one in New York City, one upstate and one on Long Island. Law said he wanted to hear from both about the Island's high property taxes, school aid, clean energy, transportation and economic development.

Barney Keller, a spokesman for the Lazio campaign, said Lazio "is looking forward to participating in a series of debates with Andrew Cuomo on the issues that matter most to New Yorkers."

Josh Vlasto, a spokesman for Cuomo, said, "While no one yet knows who will lead the GOP ticket, we look forward to a spirited discussion of the issues that matter to New Yorkers."

Although Law is still chief of the Long Island Power Authority, he has taken a number of positions on the Long Island economy, including pushing for the reopening of the railroad station at Republic Airport. Law is seeking to revitalize the LIA by speaking out on a number of issues. Law replaces Matt Crosson, who left the post in March after serving for 16 years.