Steven Rhoads

Steven Rhoads was born in Plainview, New York and lives in Bellmore, New York. He graduated from Wantagh High School. Rhoads earned a B.A. in political science/history from the State University of New York, Albany, in 1991, and a J.D. from Hofstra University in 1994. His career experience includes working as an attorney in private practice, as a deputy bureau chief in the office of the Nassau County attorney, volunteer firefighter, and youth minister. Rhoads served as the 19th District legislator for Nassau County.[1][2][3]

Rhoads has been affiliated with the following organizations:[3]

St. Pius X Parish, Plainview

Knights of Columbus

Kiwanis

Wantagh-Seaford Homeowners’ Association

Bellmore Lions

Giovanni Caboto Lodge of the Sons of Italy

Nassau County Police Emerald Society

Wantagh Volunteer Fire Department

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Steven Rhoads is the current State Senator representing NYS 5th Senatorial District. Prior to his time as State Senator, Rhoads served as the 19th District legislator for Nassau County. His career experience also includes working as an attorney in private practice and as a deputy bureau chief in the office of the Nassau County attorney. He also served as a volunteer firefighter. Rhoads earned a B.A. in political science/history from the State University of New York, Albany, in 1991, and a J.D. from Hofstra University in 1994. He lives in Bellmore, New York.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Public safety is the government's first priority and with an increase in violent crime brought about by lax bail laws and heightened gang activity from an influx of migrants into New York City and surrounding communities, we must restore judicial discretion; end sanctuary status and give law enforcement the tools and support it needs to keep us safe.Second, New York leads the nation in outward migration. Inflation, housing costs and explosive government spending have contributed to both residents and businesses choosing to find opportunities in other states. Affordability, economic development and our overwhelming tax burden must be addressed for New York to compete and survive.Lastly, quality of life. Long Island faces numerous challenges like the Grumman Plume; protection of our sole source aquifer; storm resiliency; traffic congestion; protections against overdevelopment; maintenance of local control of zoning and other areas that have a substantial impact on day-to-day life require coordinated attention.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am personally passionate about supporting first responders, as they are the backbone of our society. I am also passionate about the protecting our quality of life. Having had the privilege of growing up in the district I now have the honor of serving, ensuring that future generations have the same opportunities to live, work and raise families of their own here on Long Island in an environment of security and economic opportunity while protecting our vital natural resources is my personal goal.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I'd have to say my father, John. Dad was inspiring in the way he lived his life. Serious and stern when necessary but someone with a great sense of humor who was able to put anyone at ease even in the most difficult situations. He and my mother provided everything my sister and I needed....not everything we wanted. There's an important difference. Most of all, they provided a stable and loving home which is the most important ingredient for success. He had a true passion for helping people which he displayed as a school teacher in the Island Trees Junior High School for over 30 years. Most inspiring, however, is that he did it all while battling Multiple Sclerosis with which he was diagnosed in his early 30's. As the disease robbed him of more and more of his independence, eventually forcing him into retirement and leaving him with only partial use of one limb, he never lost his positive outlook; quick wit and his ability to provide sound advice on the most difficult questions. When he passed at the young age of 70, the outpouring of love and support from former students and colleagues our family had never met was amazing. Story after story of things he quietly did to help people in their time of need made a tough time for our family more bearable knowing that he made an impact on so many lives - a fact he probably never knew himself. I believe our goal in life is to use the gifts and talents that we've been given to try to make a positive difference in our little corner of the world. I like to think that I've incorporated a piece of his example into what I attempt to do in my public service as a firefighter, youth minister and elected official.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

I view my role as an advocate for the interests of the roughly 340,000 constituents I’m privileged to represent and to be their voice in the New York State Senate, a responsibility I take very seriously. That means fighting for safe streets, good jobs, quality education, protecting our quality of life and expanding opportunities for the middle class and our kids and grandkids to achieve the American Dream here in New York. In addition to bringing that message to Albany, I also have a responsibility to effectively communicate what is happening in State government to my constituents - for good and for bad - and get their feedback, making me a more effective and responsive legislator. Finally, my most important role is constituent liaison, trying to make State government work to meet the needs of my constituents on a case-by-case basis. Whether it’s dealing with a streetlight, or a clogged storm drain or assisting a constituent getting a passport or appropriate services for their child with special needs, my staff and I have the collective goal of getting them an answer, resolving their issue or getting them to someone who can help if it's something outside of our area of influence. If there was one word of advice I could give to someone looking to serve in this type of office, it is to be passionate in your beliefs; keep your ego in check and never forget that you are here to serve the people you represent, not the other way around.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Newsday "Paper Boy" delivering the weekday and Sunday editions house to house for three years.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

New York ranks first in the Nation in taxes. We have the fourth highest cost of living. New York has the second worst business climate in America according to Forbes magazine and we are number one in outward migration, having lost 1.5 million residents in just the last 10 years - not because people want to leave, but because they can't afford to stay. One-party rule has made this state less safe and less affordable, misaligning our priorities and making consistently poor policy choices that continue to exacerbate an increasingly desperate situation. Restoring common sense and fiscal discipline to State government and refocusing our priorities on lowering our tax and regulatory burdens on homeowners and businesses in order to create opportunities, lower our cost of living and expand our economy will be our biggest challenges.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Thus far, I have received the following endorsements for the 2024 election: Suffolk County Correction Officers Association; New York State Public Employees Federation; New York State United Teachers; New York State CSEA; Fire Marshal Benevolent Association of Nassau County; Nassau County Sheriff’s Correction Officers Benevolent Association; Port Authority Sergeants Benevolent Association; New York State AFL-CIO; Long Island Federation of Labor; North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters; Transport Workers Union of America – Railroad Division; Laborers’ International Union of North America, Nassau County PBA; Nassau County Superior Officers' Association; Nassau County Detectives' Association, Inc., NYPD PBA and more

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