Michael J. Giangregorio for Nassau Legislative District 12
Michael Giangregorio, Republican candidate for Nassau County Legislature District 12. Credit: James Escher
Find out the candidates Newsday's editorial board selected on your ballot: newsday.com/endorsements2023
For Giangregorio, that starts with a commitment to the needs of the disabled community and others who are among the county's most vulnerable. Giangregorio, 58, said that as the father of a son who is autistic, he will advocate for new funding and services for those who are disabled, like parks and playgrounds and building accommodations. He also is interested in legislation that Suffolk County adopted that requires that new affordable housing developments include units earmarked for veterans and those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and hopes to establish a similar program in Nassau.
In his short time in office, Giangregorio is already looking for potential spots where he could advocate for and encourage new housing, such as in vacant or underused spots along Sunrise Highway, and has pinpointed worrisome intersections in his district where new traffic signals are needed.
As a newcomer, Giangregorio has the potential to add new ideas and vigor to the legislature. In his first full term, he should bring the needs of those who are disabled to the forefront, particularly when it comes to housing.
Democrat Matthew Pasternak is not actively campaigning.
Newsday endorses Giangregorio.
ENDORSEMENTS ARE DETERMINED solely by the Newsday editorial board, a team of opinion journalists focused on issues of public policy and governance. Newsday’s news division has no role in this process.
