Only days after Rep. Steve Israel announced that he was retiring from the U.S. Congress after the 2016 elections, another politician who has represented much of the Roslyn area for nearly a decade is also stepping down.
Last week, State Assemblywoman Michelle Schimel (D-Great Neck) said that she would not seek re-election to the 16th Assembly District. In addition to East Hills, Roslyn Harbor and Old Westbury, the 16th District includes Great Neck, New Hyde Park, Port Washington, Manhasset, Williston Park, North Hills.
Schimel’s statement was brief.
“The Assembly is the best job I have ever had,” it read. “I am leaving in love with a great institution, The People’s House’. It has been a privilege to serve my wonderful, enlightened, and engaged assembly district. I look forward to the next chapter in my life.”
Prior to serving in Albany, Schimel served as Town of North Hempstead town clerk. She was elected to the assembly in 2007, winning a special election to succeed Thomas DiNapoli, the longtime assemblyman who was elected as State Comptroller in 2006.
Schimel stood out as one of the state’s—and the nation’s—leading proponents of gun control legislation. In Albany, Schimel is the co-chair of the New York chapter of State Legislators Against Illegal Guns. Schimel also serves on the board of New Yorkers Against Gun Violence. In 1995, Schimel and former Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D—Mineola), co-founded that organization’s Long Island chapter.
A native of Brooklyn, Schimel moved to Great Neck in 1982 and did work as a physical therapist and certified wound care specialist before being elected town clerk.
