Mangan Challenges Fields In Democratic Primary

Voters will head to the polls tomorrow to decide who will fill the ticket as the Democratic candidate in November's race for the Fifth Assembly District. Ken Mangan is challenging incumbent Ginny Fields to win the Democratic nod.

Fields was first elected to the New York State Assembly in 2004 after winning a special election. The married grandmother said that her experience working in the private sector and being a tax-paying citizen on Long Island gave her better insight into what her constituents were thinking.

When voters head to the polls, Fields said she knows their number one concern – taxes. "People pay 70 percent of their property taxes to school districts," said Fields. "Fees are going up, taxes are going up and people are tired of it. I am hearing more and more that people can't afford to live here and retire here. This is something that needs to be paid close attention to."

Fields said that she takes those concerns into consideration when voting in Albany. "When a bill comes up that is an unfunded mandate, I vote against that," she said. "If it is a raise in taxes I vote against it and I have been doing that for six years."

Another priority item for Fields, she said, is protecting the small businesses. She did not support the bill to sell wine in grocery stores and also voted against the MTA tax, which she said is a "horrible tax for Long Islanders since a majority are not using the train."

With an extensive background as an environmentalist and activist, Fields received the Hoyt Award from Audubon New York this year. Fields said that she is proud of the strides she has made environmentally including acquiring land for preservation throughout the district.

"People are going on staycations and not vacations and New York State was trying to close parks," said Field, who introduced legislation that would create an "I Love NYS Parks" vanity license plate with proceeds going directly to and only for NYS parks. She said she hopes to see this come to fruition in early 2011.

"I got involved in politics to make a difference and I want to continue to make a difference," said Fields. "I definitely have already, but there's still more that needs to be done. Should people decide that I have done a good job, then I will continue to do what I do best, which is fighting hard for their money, quality of life and their issues and concerns."

A political newcomer, Ken Mangan said that he is not a career politician and will fight for his constituents if he has the opportunity.

Mangan said that he learned the value of hard work at a young age, taking on his first job at just 13 years old. Since those days, Mangan has owned and operated five successful small businesses at various times in his professional career.

"Small business is the backbone of our community," Mangan said. "Local commerce is key to healthier communities on Long Island."

Understanding the importance of community, health and local commerce, Mangan said he started the Sayville Farmers Market on the Green, which is open seasonally.

Mangan, who lives in Sayville with his wife and their four daughters, also recognized that taxes are a major burden to residents in the fifth district. An item on his agenda would be to offer residents who make improvements on their homes a tax abatement. "This would help stimulate the economy and help residents as well," he said.

In addition to his professional experience, Mangan founded the non-profit organization Every Child's Dream, which is an organization that exposes youth to important educational, cultural, and athletic experiences.

From this initiative the program Backpack Pirates, which provides school supplies to underprivileged children, grew. Each year, 500 kids are given backpacks and the necessary school supplies.

Mangan said that his involvement with many facets of the community have helped him prepare for this position. He worked as an advocate for senior citizens with the Suffolk County Office of the Aging and is an active member of the Sayville Chamber of Commerce and the St. Anthony's Parents' Guild.

"I am accessible and approachable," said Mangan. "I will represent you and not other interests if given the opportunity."

More Information

Only residents of the Fifth Assembly District who are registered with the Democratic Party can vote in Tuesday's primary. To find out where to vote, click here. 

For more information about Ginny Fields, view her website here.

For more information about Ken Mangan, view his website here.