Sussman announces candidacy for New York State Assembly

“Someone has to say, ‘the way we’re heading is not working,’” says Dr. David Sussman, a 17-year member of the Lawrence Board of Education. Sussman sees himself as that person.

The 62-year-old Republican, who grew up in Cedarhurst, and graduated from Lawrence High School, officially announced his candidacy on Wednesday, June 6, from his Cedarhurst headquarters, challenging long-time incumbent Assemblyman Harvey Weisenberg in the November general election.

Weisenberg, 78, a Democrat from Long Beach, has represented the 20th district since 1989, after winning a special election. The district — comprised of the Five Towns, Atlantic Beach, Long Beach, Oceanside, Island Park, East Rockaway, and a portion of Valley Stream — last went to the polls in 2010 when Weisenberg was challenged by Joshua Wanderer of Lawrence and won by a narrow margin.

Sussman, who served as president of the School Board from 1996 through 2000, stresses the need for transparency in state government and wants to bring back “common sense.”

“I’m willing to make hard decisions,” said Sussman, who noted that he has “nothing but respect for Mr. Weisenberg, but respectfully disagrees with what he hasn’t done.” He added, “If you’re happy with the status quo then don’t vote for me.”

The proud father of four Lawrence High School graduates, Sussman recently celebrated his youngest, Samuel, being named valedictorian of Lawrence’s class of 2012. The scholar will be following his brothers Adam and Gene to Yale in the fall.

Dr. Sussman stresses that he is committed to improving education, which, he says, has declined significantly over the last generation. He sees taxes as the number one priority, followed by education reform and job creation which he views as interrelated.

If elected, Sussman will, in all probability, be in the minority party in the Assembly, but he doesn’t consider that to be a deterrent to getting things accomplished.

He insists he’s willing to work with the majority and make it work. As a medical doctor he sees a need for tort reform. “Mistakes are made, people need to be compensated and we must come up with a system. This is not a casino,” said Sussman, referring to large plaintiff awards.

Though he views the Assembly job as part-time, Sussman said he would be concerned about doing what he thinks is right for his constituents, not about getting re-elected. “I’m a physician — I perceive the Assembly meets half a year,” he said. “It isn’t meant to be your only job. I will not make easy decisions. You don’t write checks you can’t cash. That is why people in Albany make promises.”

News of Dr. Sussman’s candidacy has created a buzz throughout the Five Towns. “I’ve had a very good reception, people are responding very well, “ remarked Sussman.

Dr. Asher Mansdorf, who has served with him on the Lawrence school board for more than a dozen years, said he thinks highly of his fellow trustee. “What makes David Sussman a fine public servant is he always puts the public first, and never puts himself first,” Mansdorf said.

Former Nassau County Legislator Jeff Toback, a Democrat, who has served the Five Towns for ten years, is excited about Sussman’s run. In 2010, Toback ran in a September Democratic primary hoping to unseat Weisenberg. “David’s hard work and dedication as a school board member for the past 17 years will serve the residents of the 20th Assembly District well. We know what we will get from Assemblyman Weisenberg — sky-high property taxes due to Albany’s failure to adequately fund our schools. Dr. Sussman’s intelligence and willingness to role up his sleeves and work hard for his constituents will surely bring fresh ideas and a new energy to Albany.”