Greek-American State Trooper Runs for New York Senate Seat

Asked about the importance of attracting new businesses, Siderakis tells Greek Reporter “Covid-19 has impacted every business and employee throughout the country. During the Stay-at-Home orders, we realized that large crowds in small spaces were a breeding ground for spreading Covid-19.

“Suffolk County has an opportunity to attract many businesses that are looking for larger work spaces where they can properly social distance employees and provide a safer work environment. We have the infrastructure and facilities to attract those businesses into Suffolk County.

The Democratic candidate then added “We also must attract new jobs through infrastructure projects, including green energy jobs and updating our electrical grid.”

Asked by Greek Reporter how he would serve the Second District more effectively than Republican Mario Mattera, Siderakis said “Prior to my retirement in December of 2019 I served as the 2nd Vice President and Legislative Director for the New York State Troopers Police Benevolent Assiciaton, the union that represents over 5000 active and retired Troopers.

“During my time there I spent two years in Albany and built strong, long-lasting relationships with Democrat and Republican legislators. My experience in Albany will allow me to begin work for the residents of District 2 on day one. Upon Senator Flanagan’s retirement from the Senate in June of this year, our district has been without a representative during the COVID19 pandemic and civil unrest.”

The candidate states in his platform that his family’s property taxes have tripled in the 25 years that they have lived in Nesconset.  When asked how he as a Democrat would combat this, since Democratic policies and programs often lead to the raising of taxes, he replied:

“I am a moderate Democrat and fiscally conservative in regards to raising taxes on our businesses and overtaxed residents. I will push to have the state pay its fair share towards education from the general fund — and not expect the residents to fund any shortfalls through property taxes.”

Greek Reporter asked Siderakis how his longtime service as a State Trooper had built a framework for his possible service as a New York senator from Long Island.

The retired officer replied “I have spent my entire career as a public servant and have always abided by the State Police vision to serve, protect and defend the residents, while preserving the rights and dignity of all. I will bring my experience in working for the public to Albany.”

Asked how his membership in a powerful union had helped shape his ideas of government, and has this had any effect on how you see government serving the people, Siderakis answered, “My time as a union leader has reinforced my belief that the public workforce within New York State is the most dedicated and committed group of workers in the nation, and should be treated with the respect they deserve.”

“The entire State workforce are the men and women around the State, including District 2.”

When Greek Reporter asked Siderakis to share his experiences during that dreadful day nineteen years ago in Manhattan, he recalled springing into action after the devastation unfolded. “On September 11th I was off, and like so many witnessed the horror of two planes flying directly into both towers of the World Trade Center.

“I immediately called work and volunteered to assist the NYPD in the search and recovery efforts. Upon arriving on the scene the destruction was many times worse than I could have imagined. Lower Manhattan looked like a war zone.

“What stood out in my mind was how all New Yorkers came together to help in any way they could. People were lining up at hospitals to donate blood and help. Healthcare workers came into work to assist the injured. People were donating supplies at the Javits Center, that were stacked 10 feet high all along 11th Avenue.

“Everyone wanted to help. The entire country came together after this horrible terrorist attack and rebuilt New York stronger and better than it was before.”