Braunstein Looks Ahead to Albany

State Assemblyman-elect Edward Braunstein said he will focus on keeping funds intact for essential services in his district, such as school improvements and services for senior citizens, upon taking office in January.

The Bayside Democrat, who formerly worked in constituent services for state Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver (D-Manhattan), vows to push for ethics reform in the state Legislature, but said his first goal is to get acclimated.

"There is going to be an emphasis on changing the culture in Albany," he said. "But I have to work within the framework that exists. I'm going to have to feel my way around and try to get as much accomplished as I can as a freshman member."

Braunstein, 29, said he believes there should be independent oversight of the Legislature.

"It's something I spoke about all summer," he said. "It was the number one issue on people's minds."

On Jan. 1, Braunstein will replace state Assemblywoman Ann-Margaret Carrozza, D-Bayside, who announced earlier this year that she would not run for reelection. He defeated Republican Vince Tabone in the Nov. 2 election.

For his district, which covers Douglaston, Little Neck, Bayside and Whitestone, the assemblyman-elect said he would focus on obtaining funds for schools and senior services as well as preventing overdevelopment.

He said schools in his communities are frequently ranked among the city's best. High schools in the district include Bayside High School and Benjamin N. Cardozo High School. P.S. 98 is Douglaston's sole elementary school.

"We need to ensure our schools remain the best in New York City," he said. "High school overcrowding is a problem and parents feel that their voices are not heard. And there is too much emphasis on teaching to the test. I think there needs to be a more balanced curriculum."

He said he would fight  to prevent cuts to senior services in northeast Queens.

"It's the one area that is off the table for me," he said. "I want to make sure senior centers get funding."

Overdevelopment has long been a hot button issue for district residents. Braunstein said he would do his part to halt developers from constructing out-of-character buildings in the neighborhoods he represents.

"I think it's important that we retain the character of northeast Queens," he said. "We need to see that zoning is enforced. It's the thing that affects people most on a personal level. When someone builds something across the street from your house, it's right in front of your eyes."

For the short term, he is searching for a spot in Bayside where he can set up his district office. He has named David Fischer, who currently works for Carrozza, as his chief of staff.

Braunstein said he believes Governor-elect Andrew Cuomo will institute reforms to state government and that he plans to be on board.

"He's going to set the agenda for the state," Braunstein said.