Jake Scheiner
Nassau County Legislator, 14th District
Party: Democratic
Candidate Questionnaire Responses
When in office, what will you do to reduce harm and ensure there is social and economic equity for Black Long Islanders? If you are an incumbent, what policies/initiatives/laws have you supported that do this?
I am deeply committed to addressing the pressing issues of social and economic equity for Black Long Islanders, especially in communities in my district, such as Lakeview. One of my key priorities is to carry the legacy of civil rights advocacy that Lakeview holds, from the historic visit of Dr. Martin Luther King to the impactful work of community advocates like Scottie Coads.
I plan to implement targeted policies that focus on reducing harm and promoting economic equity. This includes advocating for improved community-police relations, addressing systemic issues, and fixing the county's broken property tax assessment system, which affects communities of color. I will work closely with community leaders and organizations to ensure that the concerns and aspirations of Black Long Islanders are heard and addressed at the county and local levels.
I aim to foster a stronger relationship between the community and the Nassau County police. Recognizing the importance of trust and collaboration in promoting public safety, I plan to advocate for stronger community-oriented policing initiatives. These initiatives will prioritize open communication, understanding, and partnership between law enforcement and the community, ensuring that policing is not only effective but also reflects the values and needs of the residents.
Nassau County's property tax assessment system is fundamentally flawed and disproportionately impacts minorities. Homeowners seeking tax relief face a predatory system with a 50% grievance fee, exploited by firms like Maidenbaum. These firms, have donated millions in campaign contributions to Nassau County Republicans, and perpetuate a broken system to the detriment of middle-class homeowners. In this cycle, politicians profit while constituents suffer. It's time for a thorough reevaluation and restructuring of the property tax assessment system to ensure fairness and protect homeowners' rights.
My goal is to be a strong advocate for social and economic equity, carrying the responsibility to ensure that historically significant communities like Lakeview receive the representation and support they deserve.
Is there anything else you'd like us to know about your campaign?
I am committed to addressing pressing local concerns that directly affect the quality of life and affordability in my district.
My focus is on three key issues:
Reduce Red Light Camera Ticket Fees: I am determined to reduce the exorbitant red light camera ticket fees in Nassau County, which cost three time more than in Queens and Suffolk, and place an unjust burden on our residents.
Capping Property Tax Grievance Fees: Another critical concern is the fees charged by property tax grievance firms like Maidenbaum. Homeowners looking to grieve their taxes should not face excessive charges of 50%. I'm working to implement a cap on these fees, ensuring that homeowners can access this process without being financially burdened.
Price Gouging by Utilities: Price gouging by private utility companies, such as Liberty Water, is unacceptable. I am dedicated to putting an end to these practices that exploit residents. Ensuring fair pricing for a public good is a top priority, and I will actively work to protect consumers from unjust and inflated utility costs. Ultimately, municipalizing the water utility will reduce costs for consumers and make living in Nassau County more affordable.