We continue our series of conversations with candidates running for office.
We sit down with Sarah Clark, who is running for re-election in the New York State Assembly. We talk with her about her platform and priorities for District 136.
Our guest:
- Sarah Clark, candidate for New York State Assembly, District 136
Key issues raised by candidate during "Connections" appearance:
- When asked if she has a top priority, Clark said it's difficult to identify just one because she feels "they're all a little intercepted with each other." She added that continuing the work on child care access is important: "It is what I consider the building block of all building blocks, right? It's stability for our children. It's stability for our families to be able to go to work. It's stability for employers who need people to be able to go to work. So for me, that building block has been just front and center for me, and I want to continue to do it."
- She added, however, that there are many other pressing issues, such as public safety, pandemic relief funds running out and support for mental health, "really making sure that ecosystem is strong and that we're better helping people who are struggling right now."
- Regarding New York state's business climate, Clark said there are challenges here that don't exist in other states, and vice versa. With that, she said most "economic development champions" would say there's a "fairly even environment in terms of cost to business."
- She maintained that: "People are not leaving here because businesses are struggling or the regulatory environment. People are leaving here because they can't afford housing, they can't afford child care, they can't afford to live here. It is mostly that middle class, those families, that are leaving, and we have to figure out a way around that."
*Notes: To hear our interview with Clark's opponent, Orlando Rivera, click here.
You can read more about this race and others you'll see on your ballot in the WXXI Local Elections Guide.
