Michael Cusick

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Michael J. Cusick is a New York State legislator who represents the New York State Assembly's District 63, which is located within Staten Island, New York.

Contents

[edit] Background

Cusick is the son of late New York State Supreme Court Justice Peter P. Cusick and Miriam Cusick and has been a lifelong resident of Staten Island (he currently lives in Silver Lake, Staten Island). He has two brothers, one older and one younger. Mike is a 1987 graduate of Monsignor Farrell High School where he was a standout on the cross-country and long distance track teams.

Shortly after graduating from Villanova University in 1991, Cusick began his career as a Special Assistant to former President of the City Council Andrew J. Stein. He served as the office representative for the Borough of Staten Island and worked on issues regarding incineration and waste management alternatives.

Prior to his 2002 election, Cusick served as the Chief of Staff to former Staten Island Assemblyman Eric N. Vitaliano, managing staff and overseeing the assemblyman’s Albany and Staten Island offices. He was instrumental in researching and developing statewide legislation, including the law to close the Fresh Kills Landfill. Cusick was also Vitaliano’s representative to local and statewide civic, professional, and union organizations on legislative and community issues.

Cusick then served as Director of Constituent Services for U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer. His duties included serving as Senator Schumer’s liaison to New York State elected officials, as well as various federal agencies. In addition, he managed the day-to-day operation of the senator’s New York City office.

[edit] Political views and status

Since his election in the fall of 2002, Cusick has authored or sponsored several bills. In 2003, he authored a law creating a moratorium on building in the area of the Mid-Island Blue Belt (Chapter 84 of 2003). He authored legislation requiring notice to neighboring landowners of an application to build on wetland areas. In 2006, he helped pass a budget that increased school aid by $500 million dollars over the previous year. The budget also included a down payment of $1.8 billion to renovate and expand city schools. Cusick has sponsored laws to reduce the rising cost of living on Staten Island. In 2005, he sponsored legislation that allowed New York City to eliminate its share of the sales tax on clothing and footwear (Chapter 285 of 2005). In 2006, he supported a budget that eliminated the tax statewide. In 2008 Cusick introduced legislation that would make it a crime to protest or disturb in any way a funeral or memorial service. [1].

[edit] Future in Politics

In the wake of Rep. Vito Fossella's scandals, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee expressed interest in Cusick as the Democratic nominee. [2]

[edit] References

  1. ^ "Staten Island pol wants to protect funerals, memorials from protesters," Staten Island Advance April 24, 2008
  2. ^ The Daily Politics - NY Daily News

[edit] External links

Preceded by
Steven Sanders		 New York State Assembly, 63rd District
2003 – present		 Incumbent