Anthony D'Urso

Anthony D'Urso  

Democratic

BACKGROUND: D’Urso, 79, of Port Washington, is running on the Democrat, Working Families, Independence, Women’s Equality and Reform party lines. Elected to the New York State Assembly in 2016, he serves on the environmental, economic development, veterans and government employees committees. D’Urso immigrated to the United States from Italy at 21 and worked in construction while learning English and attending school part-time. D’Urso received bachelor of science and master of science degrees in architecture from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn. D’Urso worked for the New York City Department of Housing for more than 30 years and for an additional 16 years was assistant commissioner of the city’s Division of Architecture, Engineering and Construction. D’Urso served as North Hempstead town councilman from 1991 to 2005. He is currently active in the Cellini Lodge, Order Sons of Italy, in New Hyde Park, the Port Washington Kiwanis, the Rotary Club of Great Neck, and the Dell'Assunta  Society of Westbury. 

ISSUES: D’Urso said that since his retirement from public service, he has been “using his own time and resources” to make 40 trips to Africa, Central America and Haiti “to help people in need.” During his first term in the state Assembly, D’Urso said that he co-sponsored legislation with Assemb. Steve Englebright (D-Setauket) to prohibit the use of the chemical 1,4 dioxane, which he called “an environmental contaminant” in the production of household cleaning products. D’Urso said he will resubmit the bill in the Assembly in January. D’Urso said he also opposes drilling for natural gas and oil off the Long Island coast and instead supports developing alternate energy sources. He said, “We are making a lot of progress with renewable clean energy such as solar, wind power and thermal energy.” D’Urso, who supports banning outside income for state senators and assembly members, said, “In January I want to submit a package of bills to take money out of politics and elections.” D’Urso said elections should be publicly funded.