Fred W. Thiele Jr.

FRED W. THIELE JR.

DEMOCRAT

BACKGROUND: 

• Thiele, 69, of Sag Harbor, who was first elected in 1995, is seeking his 14th term in the Assembly.  
• He graduated in 1979 with a law degree from Albany Law School. Thiele is married with three children.
• Thiele chairs the Assembly Committee on Local Government. 

ISSUES: 

• As co-chair of the new commission on municipalizing LIPA Thiele said the public "deserves answers on what was originally intended for LIPA, which is public power." 
• He says affordable housing is "desperately needed" on the East End, noting without it "it's become harder for families to stay on the East End, affecting emergency services, traffic and the economy."
• Thiele supports a state bond act that would create a "sustainable source of funding" to improve water quality. 
• He supports expansion of the South Fork Commuter Connection for increased infrastructure for the rail and bus system so that it's more affordable and convenient, he said.