Jack M. Martins, the Republican candidate for the Third District Congressional seat, said he knows he might be a new name to many in the district; however, the former Mineola mayor who is finishing his third term as senator of the Seventh District said he has plenty of experience and is ready to take on the issues affecting Long Islanders in Washington, DC.
“The issues that affect us come through DC—whether it’s the economy, national security, concerns about the environment and infrastructure. That coupled with the fact that Rep. [Steve] Israel decided he wasn’t running and it’s one of nine fair-fight districts that doesn’t lean Republican or Democrat,” said Martins on why he decided to run, adding that he already represents a significant portion of the Congressional district. “I’ve had good success working across the aisle in Albany. Bringing those efforts to DC is natural.”
During a recent roundtable at Anton Media Group, Martins emphasized his ability to work with those from both parties, whether it’s in a polarized Congress or Senate.
“There’s a political time when we run as Republicans and Democrats, but after we get elected, it’s about finding common ground. We won’t agree on everything, but I have been able to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to promote issues on Long Island,” Martins said, pointing to bills he’s sponsored and worked on with Assembly Members Michelle Schimel and Charles Lavine, as well as Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Judi Bosworth, who are all Democrats.
One of his main areas of concern is the economy and job creation. He emphasized the need for workforce training and regulatory reform, to make it “easier and more efficient for people to succeed.”
“I’m concerned about creating conditions that will allow the economy to expand and creating conditions that will allow small businesses to succeed,” Martins said. “We need to create an environment that allows for jobs. Right now, regulations are strangling our communities. I want people who want to succeed and invest in a business to be given the opportunity.”
Environmental protection is also on the forefront of Martins’ mind and if elected he said he’ll focus on bringing in more resources to preserve the Long Island Sound and transitioning to cleaner fossil fuels and renewable energy. As far as the Affordable Care Act, Martins is a fan of finding an alternative, before any type of vote or symbolic vote to repeal.
“[The Affordable Care Act] has become extremely expensive. There’s a tremendous amount of buyer’s remorse and there’s a real concern that the system is disintegrating because the funding stream allocated for it isn’t there,” Martins said. “We have to find a way to empower not the health insurer or health-care provider, but the individuals themselves.”
Martins said he would continue to advocate for federal funding for more security in the New York metropolitan area and Long Island, areas he described as “prime targets” for attack. To address the national debt, Martins said he believes strongly in cutting taxes as an inducement to growing the economy.
“We’ve seen it done by past administrations, both Republican and Democrat,” Martins said. “We’re spending hundreds of billions per year and adding to the national deficit. We’re spending far more than we’re bringing in. We have to live within our means and revitalize an economy that is limping along.”
Martins said he is proud of his ability to leave every office—be it mayoral or senate—better than when he arrived and, if elected to Congress, believes he has the experience to continue that good work.
“I understand the importance of getting things done, showing results and working across the aisle,” Martins said. “I’m not looking to run to Congress to run for something else. If you look at what I’ve done and why I’ve done it, the motivation has always been getting things done.”
Read the article about his opponent “Suozzi Fights The Status Quo As He Runs For Third District Congressional Seat.”
