Burdick seeks re-election in 93rd Assembly District

Voters are set to head to the polls on Election Day to decide the race for the 93rd Assembly District, which includes Bedford, Harrison, Lewisboro, Mount Kisco, New Castle, North Castle, North Salem, and Pound Ridge.

Seeking re-election is Democratic incumbent Chris Burdick, who was first elected in 2020. Burdick will look to turn away the challenge from Republican Braille Diaz on Nov. 3.

Ahead of the election, Halston Media offered Assemblymember Burdick the opportunity to explain in his own words his qualifications and what he sees as the top priorities if re-elected. (Despite repeated requests, Braille Diaz did not provide his responses to the candidate questionnaire.)

Please outline your career, leadership, and educational accomplishments.

I earned my B.A. in Economics and History from the University of California at Berkeley; my master's in International Studies from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies; and my Juris Doctorate from Seton Hall Law School.

I joined the Assembly in January 2021, having previously served as full-time Supervisor of the Town of Bedford for seven years. In the Assembly, I sit on the Banks, Correction, Environmental Conservation, Housing, People with Disabilities, and Veterans' Affairs Committees. I also serve as Chair of the Subcommittee on Employment Opportunities for People with Disabilities, where I have focused on legislation to remove barriers to employment.

What are the most important issues facing District 93, and why are you the most qualified to address them?

The most important issues facing the 93rd Assembly District are the road conditions and rising costs, especially utility rates. I have been working hard to secure more funding for paving projects in our district. Our region has the most lane miles and bridges of any region in the state. Over the past couple of years, after meeting regularly with the Department of Transportation and the governor’s transportation team, we have seen an increase in funding. More roads have been repaved than in previous years, and more are on the paving schedule. I am continuing to fight for additional projects not yet scheduled.

I have been a party in two different utility rate cases recently: the completed ConEd rate case and the current NYSEG rate case. Having a seat at the table has been eye-opening, and I feel uniquely qualified not only to shine a spotlight on the process but also to help create a better one going forward.

If re-elected, what will be your top priorities over the next year?

I will continue to advocate for more funding for our roads and to overhaul the utility rate-setting process. In addition, I will continue working on legislation to create more affordable housing, improve employment opportunities for people with disabilities, and help combat the environmental crisis. As always, constituent services will remain a top priority for me. I have an exceptional team that is extremely responsive and compassionate.

On a personal level, what is the most important piece of advice you have received?

Promptly respond to resident needs and be open to hearing views that may differ from your own. Don’t underestimate the importance of showing up for community events and really being in the community.