The NYS Assembly District 98 Election on Tuesday, November 6 features challenger Scott Martens (D) running against incumbent Karl Brabenec (R). Polls are open from 6a to 9p. Visit the Rockland County Board of Elections to learn where to vote.

by Assembly Candidate Scott Martens

My name is Scott Martens and I’m running to be your next Assemblyman for District 98; this includes the Western part of Orange County through to Sloatsburg, and portions of Montebello, Wesley Hills, Pomona, Viola, Monsey, Kaser, and Spring Valley in Rockland County. I am running on the Democratic, Working Families, and Women’s Equality Party Lines. I am not your typical candidate.

I was born and raised in Orange County and it is here that I am raising my family with my wife Melissa. I attended James Madison University in Virginia where I earned a degree in Political Science and Cultural Anthropology. After college I returned home to the Hudson Valley to start a career in the building industry. I’ve spent the last 10 years growing a small carpentry business. My parents were dedicated public servants, my mother a public school teacher, and my father a town councilman and city court judge in the city of Middletown. I am ready to follow in their footsteps.

I am not a career politician. It’s time for working people to have a seat at the table. The rampant corruption in politics is detrimental to the quality of life and opportunities available to regular people. I have committed to take no money from corporations or special interests because I believe it creates an inherent conflict of interest. This will enable me to keep my attention and focus exactly where it belongs, on the People’s best interests.

I am an environmental and social justice candidate. I am passionate about our right to clean air and water, sustainable development, and equal opportunity for all people. The construction of the CPV fracked gas power plant in my community along with the tumultuous political landscape of the last few years motivated me to become involved on a local level and advocate for the best interests of public health and safety and the protection of our natural resources.

I am eager to work to create an equitable school/property tax structure, fight our growing opioid and mental health crisis, provide increased and equal funding for education, promote sustainable development and living wage jobs, advocate for women’s rights, provide affordable healthcare to all New Yorkers, protect our environment and agricultural heritage, and work hard to meet the needs of my constituents.

My education, life experience, and a deep personal drive to secure a fair and just society for everyone qualifies me for this important position. I am a project manager, problem solver, team builder, and critical thinker with a strong work ethic. Albany needs leaders with a diversified background and my unique skill set will perfectly suit the demands of a legislator.

I ask for your vote this Tuesday Nov. 6th. Let’s Build a better future together. Please visit www.scottmartens.org or @scottmartens2018 on Facebook for more info.

See also:

• Four Fun Steps to Harnessing the Power of Democracy on Election Day, 11/2/2018
• 2018 General Election Closing Arguments:
  • NYS State Senate: David Carlucci 
  • Orangetown Clerk: Rosanna Sfraga and Robert Tompkins