Q&A with State Assembly Candidate Steve Otis

MyRye.com is running a series of interviews with major party candidates for Congress (NY-16), State Senate (NY District 37), State Assembly (NY District 91) and City Council. All Democratic and Republican candidates have been invited to participate. The 2024 general election is on Tuesday, November 5th.

Today we are pleased to present the MyRye.com Q&A interview with incumbent State Assembly District 91 candidate Steve Otis. Otis, a Democrat, is running against GOP challenger Katie Manger in the general election.

MyRye: Why are you running for State Assembly District 91?    

Otis: Every year my focus is to break ground on new issues, to achieve real results, to advance solutions with fresh ideas and innovative approaches that match the mission for public service that inspires my work and explains the tireless energy I devote to this cause. In the Assembly, I have played leadership roles on a variety of issues, including clean water infrastructure, increasing state aid to school districts, digital equity and inclusion programs, issues affecting local governments, and on cutting-edge issues before the Science and Technology Committee that I chair. I have held positions in state and local government, including serving 12 years as mayor of the City of Rye, and have been a grassroots volunteer in a variety of environmental efforts over the years. 

Why are you running for State Assembly District 91 now? 

Otis: I am a relentless advocate for the communities I represent and on behalf of the important statewide issues where I have played a leadership role. I use my knowledge, experience, passion, thoroughness, and seniority within the Assembly to make a difference on policy outcomes. The next session will be pivotal on issues where I play a leadership role. As was the case in 2024, education funding, state budget commitments to clean water, flood mitigation, storm resiliency, issues affecting local governments, and Science and Technology policies affecting cybersecurity, data privacy, and artificial intelligence that will continue to be at the forefront of legislative action. 

What are the three most important ways the State government can help the City of Rye?

Otis:

1. NYS has increased technical assistance and state funding to assist Rye and upstream communities on issues related to flood mitigation and stormwater management. NYS Department of Environmental Conservation’s Blind Brook Watershed Stream resiliency analysis has advanced the case for specific projects. Rye was awarded $5 million to help replace the Locust Avenue Bridge and other funding for water infrastructure projects, with future funding available through state programs that I have championed. New state laws, such as the “living shorelines” legislation I sponsored, will assist coastal communities like Rye.
2. I regularly assist Rye schools and not-for-profits seeking grants or other assistance from state government. Effective advocacy on issues, developing strategies for funding, and helping groups secure grants is an important part of my work on behalf of every community I represent.
3. Obtain cooperation from outside agencies that have a large impact in Rye and other Sound Shore communities: Metro-North/MTA, NYS DOT, NYS Thruway Authority, and the Public Service Commission. On numerous occasions, I have won cooperation from these agencies to benefit Rye and the Sound Shore.

Whether or not the State is able to help or not, what are the three biggest opportunities / challenges facing the City of Rye over the next 3-5 years?

Otis:

1. As a former mayor, I continue to view the challenges of municipalities from a local government rather than a state perspective. In Rye, as with other communities, the goal is always to maintain a high level of quality services which residents expect at an affordable cost. The community point of view guides my work on state issues every day.
2. Issues are always changing, which means that local governments must be comfortable taking on new approaches to address new and evolving challenges. The challenge of improving our physical infrastructure related to flood mitigation, water infrastructure, recreation, roads, bridges, parks, city and school buildings, traffic, and pedestrian safety are vitally important. I provide guidance, advice, and assistance to the city, schools, and not-for-profits on a regular basis.
3. For all local governments, one key tool to success is always to place high value on meaningful public participation and involvement and to keep an open mind and listen carefully to all voices before making decisions – a practice that usually results in better decisions. I recommend this approach to local officials I meet with throughout the state and in Westchester.

Who are three current elected or appointed State officials who you admire and why?

Otis:

1. Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie. He leads a process of deliberation, consensus, and group decision-making that balances the varied expertise, interests, and viewpoints of the Assembly, which span rural, suburban and urban areas of the state. In addition, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart Cousins does an outstanding job in the other house.
2. I have an excellent working relationship with Governor Kathy Hochul, Attorney General Tish James, and State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. I have worked with each of them on legislative and policy issues affecting Westchester and statewide issues. They are outstanding public servants dedicated to making a difference on issues. The quality of my work is respected by the legislative leaders, these three statewide officials, and key officials at state agencies and every level of government, which allows me to advance issues throughout the year.
3. Within the legislature, I collaborate with many members of the Assembly and Senate. State Senator Shelley Mayer and I, as well as our staffs, work as one team on every issue affecting the communities we share. That kind of teamwork pays real dividends as we advocate together on behalf of issues before state agencies, other levels of government, and on legislative and state budget issues.

How much money have you raised for your campaign through August 15, 2024?

Otis: N/A

Please list any organizations that have endorsed your candidacy.

Otis:

New York League of Conservation Voters

Sierra Club Atlantic Chapter

NYS AFL CIO

1199 SEIU

CSEA Civil Service Employees Association

NYS Nurses Association

NYIC New York Immigration Coalition Action

NYSUT NYS United Teachers

New York League of Conservation Voters

Sierra Club Atlantic Chapter

PEF NYS Public Employees Federation

Auxiliary Police Benevolent Association of the City of New York

Planned Parenthood Empire State Votes

Working Families Party NYS

Please list any current elected officials that have endorsed your candidacy.

Otis: The most important endorsement for me is the continued support of the residents of the 91st Assembly District for allowing me to serve and use my skills to enhance every community I represent.

NYS Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie

State Senator Shelley Mayor

County Executive George Latimer

Village of Larchmont Mayor Sarah Bauer

Town of Mamaroneck Supervisor Jaine Elkind Eney

Port Chester Mayor Luis Marino

City of New Rochelle Mayor Yadira Ramos-Herbert

Village of Mamaroneck Mayor Sharon Torres

Town of Rye Supervisor Gary Zuckerman

City of Rye Mayor Josh Cohn

I have strong relationships and past support from most local village, town and city board members in the municipalities of the Assembly District.

Please summarize your public service experience and contributions.

Otis: One of my most significant achievements was the establishment of the Water Infrastructure Improvement Act of 2015, a new state grant program to assist municipalities in financing needed clean water projects. To date, the program has awarded over $2.5 billion in grants supporting over 1,000 projects, creating jobs, and a cleaner environment across the state. Westchester communities have secured over $124 million in grants for 49 projects. Since 2015, I have sponsored an annual clean water grant workshop for Westchester communities to help them take advantage of a wide range of state funding programs. A fuller summary of my public service work and contributions can be found here. 

Tell us about you:

How would your friends and family describe you in one word?

Otis: Dedicated

Pick one:

Otis:

Select from:	Your Pick:
Coke or Pepsi?	Water
Action movie or rom com?	Film noir
Dog, cat or no pet?	Dogs
Ruffles Original, Lay’s Barbeque or Funyuns?	Fritos

 

What is the kindest thing someone has ever done for you?

Otis: When Alex Delvecchio, Hall of Fame Detroit Red Wing forward, said I could play goalie in a pickup scrimmage for retired NHL players practicing in Rye for an old-timers game at Madison Square Garden. They needed goalies for the scrimmage, and I had just gotten off the ice from our Rye men’s hockey skate. The scrimmage included Gordie Howe, Harry Howell, Eddie Shack, Jean Potvin, and other NHL notables. I did make some saves against Gordie Howe, but I am not embarrassed to say he did score on me.

What is your day job?

Otis: Prior to being elected to the Assembly, I was Counsel and Chief of Staff to State Senator Suzi Oppenheimer. I served as mayor of Rye from 1998-2009. I also previously served as chair of the City of Rye Conservation Commission/Advisory Council and continue to be on the board of the NYS Association of Conservation Commissions. My full public service record is here.

What is the kindest thing someone has ever done for you? 

Otis: N/A

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why, and who would you take with you?

Otis: N/A

What is your favorite streaming / TV series ever?

Otis: N/A

What is your favorite movie?

Otis: N/A

Where do you live in Rye and how many years have you lived in the City?

Otis: Lynden Street – lived in Rye since 1984

What affiliations do you have with organizations in Rye?

Otis: I work with and support the activities and events of most of the civic, school, and not-for-profits in the community. My work with these groups spans decades.

What are three of your favorite food takeout / delivery restaurants in or around Rye?

Otis: N/A

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

Otis: I have played goalie with the Rye Rangers men’s hockey group for decades. I also play tennis and enjoy dog walking at Rye Town Park or Playland Beach in the winter.

Thanks, Steve!

Learn more:

Steve Otis Campaign Website

Work Website

Steve Otis on X.

Steve Otis on Facebook.