New York State Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr. has released the results of his recent District-wide Questionnaire. Approximately 640 residents responded to the survey. Residents were asked their opinions on 20 issues currently before state and local government.

By a 58% to 19% margin, residents stated that the 2% Real Property Tax Cap has been effective in saving taxpayers money. The remainder didn’t know or had no opinion.

Respondents strongly support the use of up to 20% of the Peconic Bay Community Preservation Fund (CPF) for water quality projects by a margin of 73% to 19%. The State Legislature has given the authority to the 5 East End towns to extend the program until 2050 and to utilize up to 20% of the CPF for Water Quality Projects. These modifications must be approved by a public referendum before they can go into effect.

There is also strong support for improved oversight over LIPA and PSEG-LI. Respondents supported the replacement of the current appointed LIPA Board of Trustees with an elected Board by a margin of 62% to 10%; increased Department of Public Service authority over utility rates by a 71% to 11% margin; and oversight by the State Comptroller and State Attorney General by 73% to 10%. Thiele intends to introduce legislation providing greater oversight over LIPA and PSEG-LI after the adoption of the State Budget.

Residents also supported increased public transit on eastern Long Island such as shuttle trains by a margin of 65% to 8%. Thiele and State Senator Ken LaValle are seeking state funding for a plan to add a second track from Sayville to Montauk to permit greater service.

In contrast, the controversial Common Core educational standards remain very unpopular. By a 51% to 26% margin, respondents oppose the standards. By 61% to 21%, residents believe there is too much standardized testing in our schools. Finally, by a 57% to 33% margin, respondents think teacher evaluations should not be linked to student performance on standardized tests.

Residents opposed making fantasy sports services such as FanDuel legal in New York by a margin of 54% to 19%, as well as Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) by a margin of 40% to 24%.

Eastern Long Islanders by a 61% to 25% margin view income inequality as a major issue in New York State. However, residents are more divided over Governor Cuomo’s proposal for a $15 minimum wage. It is favored by a 51% to 44% margin. Support rises to 64% in favor 27% opposed if the increase is less than $15.

The results of the entire questionnaire are attached.