The Republican Party last Thursday nominated Port Washington resident Matthew Varvaro to run for outgoing Assemblywoman Michelle Schimel’s 16th Assembly district seat.
Varvaro, 25, said the main issue he was looking to tackle is ending political corruption.
“The big issue to me is ethics reform and if I get to Albany, that is going to be my priority,” he said. “Passing really serious ethics reform so we can finally end corruption in Albany.”
While he has never served as an elected official, Varvaro said, he has worked for various political campaigns and offices.
Most recently he served as research director for former Gov. George Pataki’s campaign for presidency.
After he was announced as the Republican candidate for the 16th Assembly district seat, Pataki said on Twitter that Varvaro was “a wonderful person and will make a great Assemblyman for N.Y.”
From November 2014 to April 2015, Varvaro served as a legislative aide for North Hempstead Town Councilwoman Dina De Giorgio.
“Matt is a smart, energetic candidate who will be the reformer that Albany needs,” De Giorgio said of Varvaro.
Varvaro said he did not think the fact that he hasn’t held an elected position would deter residents from voting for him.
“I think that people are open to voting for individuals who haven’t served in elected office and I think the fact that I’m young is a benefit,” he said. “I’ve been working in politics and government in some capacity for the past seven years of my life working on policy issues, working with constituents in the Town of North Hempstead and Port Washington.”
If elected, Varvaro said he would “introduce legislation” to improve the economy and public schools, as well as protect the environment.
Schimel announced on Jan. 7 she would not seek re-election.
She was first elected to the state Assembly in March 2007 after defeating Republican Ryan DeCicco in a special election, receiving 86 percent of the votes.
Schimel replaced Thomas DiNapoli, who the state Legislature selected as state Comptroller that year.
The 16th Assembly district includes Great Neck, New Hyde Park, Port Washington, Manhasset, Williston Park, North Hills, East Hills, Old Westbury and a portion of Roslyn Estates.
Varvaro looks set to face off in November with either former North Hempstead Town Councilman Anthony D’Urso or former Town of North Hempstead Public Safety Commissioner Andrew DeMartin, who resigned from his town post in February to focus on his run for the state Assembly.
“I’ve been a resident here in the district my whole life. I care about the community,” Varvaro said. “I know the constituents, I know the issues. It’s an incredible honor to get an opportunity to win this seat and an honor to serve the constituents in the community.”
Reach reporter Joe Nikic by e-mail at jnikic@theislandnow.com, by phone at 516.307.1045 x203. Also follow us on Twitter @joenikic and Facebook at facebook.com/theislandnow.
