Assembly District 23 Candidates Met at Forum

Candidates and an Attorney General hopeful shared their platforms at a local civic association meeting.

Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Law Enforcement

Assembly District 23 Candidates Met at Forum

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Do you trust the candidates running for office in your district to represent your local interests?

Assembly District 23 candidates Tom Sullivan and Pesach Osina outlined their platforms at a civic association forum in Howard Beach last Tuesday night. Former federal prosecutor and New York State Attorney General candidate Saritha Komatireddy also addressed the attendees.

Why it matters

The forum served as a platform for the candidates to distinguish their approaches to pressing local policy issues and priorities. Their positions on public safety and state status remain key factors for voters ahead of the upcoming election.

Candidate Tom Sullivan called for the addition of 1,400 police officers to the force. The feasibility of this staffing expansion remains currently under review by relevant city oversight entities.

The players

Tom Sullivan

He is a candidate for the New York Assembly representing District 23.

Pesach Osina

He is a candidate for the New York Assembly representing District 23.

Saritha Komatireddy

She is a former federal prosecutor currently running for New York State Attorney General.

Phyllis Inserillo

She served as the moderator for the candidate forum hosted by the civic association.

Howard Beach-Lindenwood Civic Association

This is a local neighborhood organization that hosted the assembly candidates.

The details

Participants answered questions without the use of notes after determining the speaking order through a coin flip at St. Helen Catholic Academy. Sullivan expressed support for ending New York's sanctuary-state status, while Osina voiced opposition to the measure.

The Howard Beach-Lindenwood Civic Association meeting occurred last Tuesday night.
Stacey Pheffer Amato last attended a civic association meeting two years ago.
Saritha Komatireddy decided to enter terrorism prosecution on September 11, 2001.

Legal Context

The debate over New York's sanctuary-state status highlights a recurring ideological divide in state-level elections. Candidates presented opposing views on the future of this policy, mirroring broader legislative debates regarding local jurisdiction and state law enforcement cooperation.

Residents of Howard Beach and Assembly District 23 may see changes to local policing and state policy based on the outcomes of this election. Voters are encouraged to review the proposed stances on public safety to understand how candidate initiatives could affect neighborhood security.

The takeaway

Voters in the district face a clear choice on law enforcement and state policy as candidates continue their campaigns. Reviewing these specific positions can help residents understand the potential long-term legislative shifts facing their community.