Suozzi and LiPetri Clash on $3.26B Grid Project at Bay Terrace Forum

U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi and Republican challenger Mike LiPetri faced off in Bay Terrace last Wednesday, framing their campaign for New York's 3rd Congressional District around moderate governance. The two candidates participated in a meet-the-candidates event at the Bay Terrace Shopping Center, hosted by the Bay Terrace Community Alliance. Both emphasized their willingness to collaborate with members of the opposing party rather than adhere strictly to partisan lines.

Suozzi, who reclaimed his seat in 2024, described his political approach as common-sense driven. He stated that he rejects extremism from both the far left and far right. LiPetri, a former state assembly member, countered that his experience in a Democrat-majority legislature prepared him to prioritize local interests over party loyalty. He argued that he supports ideas that benefit the district regardless of which party proposes them.

The candidates diverged on the handling of recent House votes. LiPetri accused Suozzi of following the Democratic Party line on a Republican resolution to condemn socialism and the Stop Insider Trading Act. Suozzi and other Democrats voted against the socialism resolution because it was paired with the SAVE America Act. They argued that the act's requirement for in-person documentary proof of citizenship could disenfranchise millions. The group also opposed the insider trading bill because it included loopholes allowing lawmakers to retain existing stock holdings and permitted the president and vice president to continue trading.

A central point of contention was the Propel NY Energy project, a $3.26 billion initiative to upgrade the energy grid across New York City, Westchester County, and Long Island. The route enters Queens along Northern Boulevard, passes through Douglaston and Bayside, and turns onto Bell Boulevard near the shopping center. Both candidates expressed opposition to the project but proposed different solutions. Suozzi said he has instructed the Army Corps of Engineers to hold a public hearing to address resident concerns. LiPetri said he would work to stop the project from moving forward if elected.

The forum also addressed undocumented immigration. Suozzi proposed a policy that would grant work visas to undocumented immigrants who have lived in the United States for at least 10 years without committing a crime. He estimated the cost of these visas at up to $9,000 and clarified that they would not lead to citizenship. LiPetri advocated for an Americans-first approach, arguing that undocumented immigrants should return home to follow legal processes. He suggested that funding allocated for amnesty should instead support American citizens and veterans.

State legislative candidates also spoke at the event. State Sen. Toby Ann Stavisky and her opponent, Pamela Michos, discussed Local Law 97. The law requires buildings over 25,000 square feet to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent by 2030. Both candidates expressed concern that the mandate places a financial burden on co-op shareholders. Michos, a former Bank of America branch manager, described the law as stretching residents too thin. Stavisky highlighted her work freezing tuition at SUNY and CUNY schools since 2019.

Assemblymember Ed Braunstein and challenger Robert Speranza also criticized Local Law 97. Braunstein noted that the state recently delayed the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, acknowledging that original deadlines were unrealistic. Speranza described the law as disgusting and argued that the City Council should have never passed it. Michos and Speranza both voiced opposition to the Propel NY project, with Michos raising concerns about accessibility for individuals with disabilities during construction.

Stavisky called for greater accountability from the Propel NY team and is speaking with the Parks Department about using the Joe Michaels Mile for the project. Residents previously requested this route to minimize disruption. The forum concluded with the candidates reaffirming their commitment to representing the district's specific needs.