Todd Kaminsky

Todd Kaminsky is a former American politician, attorney, and lobbyist who served as a member of the New York State Senate, representing the 9th district from 2016 to 2022. A member of the Democratic Party, Kaminsky's political career was marked by his focus on ethics reform, disaster recovery, and community advocacy, particularly in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. He was also a candidate for Nassau County District Attorney in 2021, although he was defeated in the general election. Kaminsky is known for his familial connection to the entertainment industry as the great-nephew of comedian Mel Brooks.

Early life and career

Born on October 24, 1961, Kaminsky grew up in Long Beach, New York, located on Long Island. His educational journey began at the University of Michigan, where he earned an A.B. degree, graduating summa cum laude. He furthered his education at New York University Law School, obtaining a J.D. degree with magna cum laude honors. Following his academic achievements, Kaminsky embarked on a legal career that included significant roles in both the Queens County District Attorney's Office and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York.

In the Queens County District Attorney's Office, Kaminsky served as an assistant district attorney, where he focused on prosecuting various violent crimes, including domestic violence, robberies, and shootings. His tenure at the U.S. Attorney's Office lasted six years, during which he ascended to the position of acting deputy chief of the Public Integrity Section. In this role, he was involved in high-profile prosecutions of elected officials, including State Senate Majority Leader Pedro Espada Jr. and U.S. Representative Michael Grimm. Kaminsky's legal work garnered recognition, including the True American Hero Award from the Federal Drug Agents Foundation for his prosecution of James "Jimmy Henchman" Rosemond.

In addition to his prosecutorial work, Kaminsky was also active in community service, particularly following the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy. He organized fundraising efforts and free legal clinics to assist affected residents. His contributions to the community earned him accolades, including the Community Service Award from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York and the Sandy Relief Service Award from the Long Beach Martin Luther King Center.

Legislative service

Kaminsky's entry into politics began with his election to the New York State Assembly in November 2014, where he succeeded Harvey Weisenberg. During his time in the Assembly, he quickly established himself as an effective legislator, achieving notable results for his constituents. He was recognized as one of City & State's 40 Under 40 Rising Stars in 2015, and he set a record for the number of bills passed by a first-year Assembly member. His legislative accomplishments included expediting the state's reimbursement schedule for housing reconstruction following Hurricane Sandy and advocating for the establishment of a new emergency room to address healthcare needs in the wake of the storm's impact on Long Beach Hospital.

Kaminsky's tenure in the Assembly laid the groundwork for his subsequent election to the New York State Senate. Following the expulsion of Dean Skelos, the Democratic Party nominated Kaminsky to fill the vacant seat in a special election held in April 2016. He officially took office after winning the election against Republican challenger Chris McGrath by a narrow margin. Kaminsky successfully defended his seat in the November 2016 general election, securing a full term in the Senate.

During his time in the State Senate, Kaminsky focused on a range of issues, particularly those related to ethics reform. His background as a federal prosecutor positioned him as a key figure in discussions surrounding corruption scandals in New York State politics. He was appointed to a panel tasked with establishing an executive director for the Assembly's new ethics office and played a role in developing a comprehensive ethics reform package proposed by the Assembly and Governor Andrew Cuomo.

In July 2022, Kaminsky resigned from the State Senate to pursue a career in lobbying at the firm Greenberg Traurig. His departure from the Senate marked the end of his legislative service, during which he had made significant contributions to the legislative process and his constituents.

Policy focus and district

Kaminsky's legislative priorities were heavily influenced by his experiences as a resident of Long Island, particularly in relation to the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. The storm had a profound impact on the South Shore community, leading Kaminsky to advocate for reforms aimed at improving disaster recovery efforts. He sought to address shortcomings in the response from federal and state agencies, including FEMA and NY Rising. His legislative initiatives included measures to enhance the transparency and accountability of disaster recovery programs, as well as efforts to support homeowners affected by the storm.

Kaminsky's focus on Hurricane Sandy also led him to introduce legislation requiring quarterly reporting on unpaid claims and unresolved cases related to the disaster. He worked to implement an information-sharing database in Nassau County to better track abandoned properties, which was a significant issue in the wake of the storm. Additionally, he advocated for tax relief for victims who had to withdraw funds from retirement accounts to cover emergency expenses.

Another notable aspect of Kaminsky's policy focus was his commitment to ethics reform in New York State. His legal background and experience as a prosecutor informed his approach to addressing corruption within the state's political system. He was involved in discussions about potential ethics overhauls and was recognized as a leader in this area during his time in the legislature.

Overall, Todd Kaminsky's legislative career was characterized by a commitment to addressing the needs of his constituents, particularly in the context of disaster recovery and ethical governance. His work in the New York State Senate and Assembly reflected his dedication to public service and community advocacy, leaving a lasting impact on the district he represented.