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Jim Gaughran to challenge state Sen. Carl Marcellino in November

Feb
27
2018

Democrat Jim Gaughran, chairman of the Suffolk Water Authority, will seek a November rematch against Republican State Sen. Carl Marcellino after losing a close race two years ago.

Gaughran, 61, filed papers in Albany Monday forming a campaign fundraising committee for the November race against the 22-year Republican incumbent in the North Shore Fifth Senate District, which straddles the Nassau-Suffolk border.

“I am running because Long Island is not getting the kind of funding for education and other services that residents deserve because of the corruption and dysfunction in Albany,” said Gaughran. “And it’s become worse because of Donald Trump’s agenda.”

Marcellino did not return calls for comment to his Albany and district offices.

Gaughran, an attorney, served for six...| read more ››

THE POINT: Flanagan Decoded

Jan
12
2018

While he lavished praise on Kemp Hannon (“He’s brilliant.”) and plugged the four other GOP members of Long Island’s State Senate delegation, Flanagan spent most of his time on his colleague from Oyster Bay. Marcellino, who was at the breakfast, is considered the most vulnerable of Long Island’s GOP senators in an expected rematch with Democrat Jim Gaughran, who came within a hair of winning in 2016.| read more ››

THE POINT: Suburbs got mail

Dec
7
2017

The Republican-controlled State Senate is starting election season very early, mailing constituent flyers in at least two key suburban districts: the 5th, represented by Carl Marcellino, and the 40th, where Terrence Murphy sits.

This is as early as outreach has ever begun for an election that is 11 months away. It suggests high anxiety for the GOP, which cannot afford to lose a seat from its fragile governing majority of 31 Republicans plus Simcha Felder, a Democrat who caucuses with Republicans....

With the Washington tax plan likely to pummel upper-middle-class suburbanites, Murphy in Westchester and Marcellino on Long Island’s Gold Coast might be particularly vulnerable to angry voters who could vent against the party right down the ballot.

Democrat James...| read more ››

Jim Gaughran to represent New York’s 5th Senate District

Newsday picks Jim Gaughran to represent parts of Huntington and Oyster Bay.
Oct
26
2016

Carl Marcellino has been a solid member of the New York State Senate for more than 20 years. In that time, he’s done some very good work, especially as a champion of the environment, most recently in securing $200 million in state funds that municipalities can tap for sewer upgrades and related water infrastructure improvements.

But nowadays, Marcellino, 73, is resting mostly on past accomplishments and the traditional policy positions of his party. While never a senator to offer a visionary agenda, he seems to have lost enthusiasm for the job. He doesn’t have a problem with banning outside income for lawmakers, but doesn’t have any suggestions for further ethics reform, either. The Syosset Republican also points to the “process”...| read more ››

SD-5: Gaughran Releases Ethics Plan

Oct
20
2016

Jim Gaughran, the Democratic opponent of Republican Sen. Carl Marcellino on Thursday is set to release an ethics reform package aimed at campaign finance reform and recalling elected officials whose actions impact taxpayers.

“Long Island voters are tired of the corruption and scandals that have rocked state government and yet Senator Marcellino has ignored his constituents and has actually benefitted from the corrupt state quo in Albany,” Gaughran said.

“Our communities deserve new leadership and a State Senator who will work to clean up corruption, not be part of the problem. Carl Marcellino has proven that he will not fix our broken political system or take any real steps to reform state government, and Long Island families deserve better from...| read more ››

Northport Needs a New State Senator

Oct
20
2016

Of course the presidential election has stolen the spotlight this campaign season and that is the most critical decision Americans will make November 8, but down ballot there is another important decision to make in the race for New York State Senate in the Fifth District, which includes Northport.

Republican incumbent Carl Marcellino (R-Syosset) is being opposed by Democratic challenger James Gaughran, of Eaton’s Neck, a Northport homeowner. There is a lot that can be said on behalf of Mr. Gaughran, but we will save that for another day. For now, what is most important to emphasize is how poor a state senator Carl Marcellino has been for us, and how important it is for local voters that he be...| read more ››

Gaughran Calls For Real Ethics Reforms To Clean Up Albany

Oct
13
2016

Gaughran Calls For Real Ethics Reforms To Clean Up Albany

(Huntington, NY) Jim Gaughran today unveiled a comprehensive ethics reform plan which, when passed, will take meaningful steps to clean up Albany and restore the public’s trust in state government. Despite overwhelming public support for real ethics reforms, current Senator Carl Marcellino has repeatedly blocked efforts to end Albany corruption and has even exploited loopholes to benefit himself and line his own pockets.

“Long Island voters are tired of the corruption and scandals that have rocked state government and yet Senator Marcellino has ignored his constituents and has actually benefitted from the corrupt state quo in Albany,” Jim Gaughran said. “Our communities deserve new leadership and a State Senator who...| read more ››

Gaughran Calls For Tougher Penalties For Illegal Dumping

Sep
15
2016

Gaughran Calls For Tougher Penalties For Illegal Dumping

Proposal will Create Stiff Penalties for People or Companies whose Illegal Dumping leads to Environmental Degradation

(Huntington, NY) Jim Gaughran unveiled a major criminal justice proposal to address the crisis of illegal dumping on Long Island, a recent example of which occurred at the West Hills County Park. Under Gaughran’s plan, individuals or businesses who illegally dump hazardous waste on private or public properties which can lead to environmental, water quality and health problems will be charged with a C felony. This reform will help local law enforcement crack down on this crisis and dissuade illegal dumpers from continuing to destroy Long Island’s environment and single-source aquifer.

“It is clear after the...| read more ››

Democratic Senate candidate targets Marcellino over education issues

Aug
26
2016

ALBANY- Democrat Jim Gaughran is working to make education policy a key issue in his State Senate campaign against Republican Carl Marcellino, who chairs the Senate Education Committee.

Gaughran, the Suffolk County Water Authority chairman, is hosting listening tours on community education concerns and is calling out Marcellino, who has represented the 5th District since 1995.

"I firmly believe that elected officials should provide support to our state's educators and have a responsibility to listen and be respectful of parents and public education stakeholders," Gaughran said in a news release provided to POLITICO New York.

He further claimed Marcellino, who was on the education committee as the state rolled out the Common Core learning standards, has "refused" to address issues...| read more ››

Senator Marcellino Given Low Marks By New Yorkers Against Gun Violence

Jul
22
2016

Senator Marcellino Given Low Marks By New Yorkers Against Gun Violence

(Huntington, NY) New Yorkers Against Gun Violence, an advocacy group dedicated to protecting New York residents, particularly youth, from gun-related violence. This group tracked Senators’ votes over the past legislative session and released a list of grades based on how these legislators voted on critical gun safety issues. Senator Carl Marcellino was declared to ‘Need Improvement’ due to his vote to repeal the NYSAFE Act.

Jim Gaughran issued the following statement in response to Senator Marcellino’s low score:
“Gun violence is a scourge on our society and must be addressed so all New Yorkers are able to live in safety and security. Senator Marcellino’s low score is simply...| read more ››

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