New Assemblyman For Little Neck

Assemblyman-elect Edward Braunstein isn't getting ahead of himself.

In a conversation last week, not long after the Bayside Democrat's successful campaign against Republican Vincent Tabone to represent District 26, which covers the northern portion of Little Neck, Braunstein recited an impressive list of issues he wants to tackle once in office.

But first — like anyone starting a new job — he had some learning to do, he said.

"I need time to find out how things work," Braunstein said. "There is going to be an emphasis on changing the culture in Albany, but as it changes, I'm going to have to work in it as it currently exists."

Like his future colleague at the Capitol, Sen.-elect Tony Avella, Braunstein has high hopes for changing the way Albany does business, including serious ethics reform.

However, regarding the likelihood of major reform passing both houses of the legislature next year, Braunstein wasn't making any promises.

"I haven't rolled up my sleeves ... I don't know what the temperature is going to be," he said. "These are things I can't predict."

As for the tricky task of balancing the state's finances, Braunstein said there are certain state-funded services and programs that must stay off the chopping block.

"I will fight to ensure our seniors get current funding," he said.

And in a statement of particular interest to his future Little Neck constituency, Braunstein called for greater efforts on the part of city and state agencies to reign in development — particularly in Northeast Queens.

"In 2005, there was rezoning," Braunstein said. "We need to see that the zoning is enforced."

Braunstein, who won the seat 59 percent to Tabone's 42 percent, will be sworn in Jan. 1. 

On election night, Braunstein, 29, a former employee in state Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver's district office, got a call many a worker has dreamt of getting from his or her boss — one of congratulations.