The state of the economy is one of the most pressing issues across the country, but in the 1st congressional district it's especially urgent to address ever-rising costs of living, record-breaking housing costs, and a dwindling middle class. Democratic congressional candidate John Avlon and 1st District Republican Congressman Nick LaLota hold distinct philosophies on solving the economic problems present throughout Eastern Long Island.

Hear them share their views on the issue in their own words, recorded in two separate panel interviews September 2024 at WLIW-FM studios in Southampton NY.

These recordings have been lightly edited without changing the content of the candidates' statements during the panel interviews. Editing of the candidates has occurred only where a music bed is heard, as well as minor editing of the moderators.

1st District Matters is part of Your Election 2024, a special collection of programs, series, and resources from The WNET Group to illuminate election issues on-air, online, and on YouTube leading into the November 5th elections.

A production of Express News Group and WLIW-FM.

For WLIW-FM:

Moderator: Michael Mackey

Executive Producer: Diane Masciale

Producer: Delaney Hafener

Production: Kyle Lynch

Senior Engineer: Brian Bannon

Legal Services: Marta Castaing

For The Express News Group:

Executive Producer and Moderator: Joseph P. Shaw, Executive Editor

Managing Editor: Bill Sutton

Deputy Managing Editor: Brendan O'Reilly

Moderator and Staff Writer: Christopher Walsh

Production Managers: Kerri Cunningham, Sara Mannino Kent

Publishers: Gavin Menu, Kathryn G. Menu

Copyright 2024