New York State Assembly, 20th District

Melissa L. Miller
Republican
Background: Miller, 54, of Atlantic Beach, , was elected to the New York State Assembly in 2016. She is running on the Republican, Conservative and Independence party lines. Miller is the ranking member of the committee on mental health. She also serves on the education, alcohol and substance abuse, environmental conservation, children and families and social services committees. She is a member of the legislative women's caucus. Miller grew up in Atlantic Beach . Miller attended Adelphi University school of nursing in the early 1980s but left college to care for an ill child who subsequently passed away. Miller worked as a nurse's assistant and then as a medical biller in a Hewlett pediatrician's office. From 1998 to 2000, Miller served as the president of the parents' association at Little Village School in Seaford. For the past 25 years she has been a volunteer training pediatric physicians in the residency programs at Northwell Health in dealing with chronically ill children.. Miller is married and has two children.
Issues: Miller said she is "a very strong disabilities activist." She said, "I feel very strongly that access for disabled people needs to be improved in New York State." Miller said that one of her first accomplishments as a state assemblyperson was to include a feasibility study into the state budget on the need for changing stations for disabled adults in all public buildings.  "The number one thing I hear from constituents is that the taxes are strangling them." she said. Miller said she continues to support the state-mandated two percent tax cap on public school budgets. She said high taxes are making it difficult for local college graduates and young families to afford to buy a home on Long Island. Miller said that among her goals, if reelected, would be to support legislation to lengthen inpatient treatment for opioid addiction and improve outpatient resources.
Juan C. Vides
Democratic line 
Background: Vides, 41, of Oceanside, a registered Democrat, is a computer programmer. Vides owns and operates a web design and internet marketing business in Oceanside. Vides was born in El Salvador and was brought to the United States by his parents at age four. He attended Long Beach Public Schools K-12 and is a 1995 graduate of Long Beach High School. Vides earned an associate degree in Liberal Arts from Nassau Community College, and a bachelor of science degree in computer programming from Farmingdale State College. He earned about 30 credits toward a master's degree in marketing at Stony Brook University, but left school to start a business. He served from 2012 to 2018 on the board of the Long Island chapter of the American Heart Association, and from 2016 to 2018 was on the board of directors of the Bethpage Federal Credit Union. He also served on the board of the Long Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Vides is married.
Issues: Vides said he's seeking public office for the first time in part as a response to recent, high-profile government corruption scandals. "People are frustrated with politics and frustrated with their leaders, and a lot of empty promises," Vides said. "We have a lot of representatives walking out of courthouses." Vides said he has given up prestigious positions to run for the Assembly. "I served on two boards and on the boards of chambers of commerce, but I am willing to give everything up to become a public servant," Vides said. He said, if elected, he would attempt to "restore faith and trust" in a political system he takes pride in being a part of. "I count my blessings every day that I am in this country," Vides said. Vides said, however, that like many Americans he has been angered by federal immigration policy that has separated children from their parents. He said, "We have a responsibility to take care of the immigrant kids."  
John J. Vobis, Jr. 
Democratic
Background: Vobis, 57, is on the Democrat, Women's Equality and Reform party lines. Vobis is an attorney specializing in insurance fraud litigation with the Uniondale law firm of Rivkin Radler. He previously worked as a New York State courts officer. Vobis grew up in Dyker Heights in Brooklyn and graduated from LaSalle Academy. Vobis earned a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice administration and planning and a master of public administration, both from John Jay College of Criminal Justice in Manhattan. He has a law degree from  St. John's University School of Law. Vobis was elected to a five-year-term on the Island Park Board of Education in 2015 and has served as board president for the last three years. Vobis is a founding member of the Harbor Isle Residents community activism group that formed after superstorm Sandy. Post-Sandy, he helped lead local volunteer efforts to rebuild a park and replace superstorm-damaged Little League equipment. Vobis is married with three children.
Issues: Vobis said that he will "be a tireless advocate for the taxpayers, fighting to relieve the onerous tax burden on the hardworking residents of our community, especially those struggling to make ends meet." Vobis said if elected he will continue his "commitment to providing a quality public education to our children." He said he will also make improving school safety a priority.  Vobis said that because of his background as a court officer and a member of a public sector union, "I understand the importance of providing for the safety of our community and for the first responders that protect us." Vobis said, " I will combat corruption in government, and provide the leadership and energy that has been sorely lacking, leading by example to restore faith in our elected officials."