SC Legislature, 14th District David Bishop, Democratic, Independence and Working Families by Leonard Greco

David Bishop (D-Lindenhurst) is one of the legislature’s most articulate members whose eagerness is often tempered by a quick wit and astute observations. And while Bishop would readily admit that many people influence our lives and who we are, it might well be his association with stand-up comic and TV host John Stewart that helped contribute to David Bishop the man.

"TV star John Stewart was my roommate in college," Bishop pointed out. "I went to American University and John went to William & Mary. He was always trying out his jokes on us and making us laugh. Don’t tell him I said this, but sometimes he still tells those same jokes."

Of course, there were others who helped shape David Bishop.

"I was raised by my mom," he said in a recent interview. "She instilled in me a sense of determination and helped me learn how to take a punch. On the other hand, I guess you could say my father gave me my softer side."

Bishop said that the influence of his parents, and yes the influences of those he encountered, such as John Stewart, helped lead him toward a life in public service.

"The slogan I use, that I live by his ‘Making a Difference’," Bishop noted. "But not just to get votes. That slogan also reflects what I offer (voters). I guess that’s why in my political life the most difficult thing I had to do was make my concession speech after running a primary against Rep Steve Israel (D-Huntington)."

Bishop also has had to make other difficult decisions in his life. And one of those hit much closer to home than some of the others.

"Arranging the funeral for my mom when she passed away was probably one of the most difficult things I’ve ever had to do," he said, adding that his mother helped tremendously in shaping his life.

"I have a lot of energy," Bishop said. "My mom gave me that, too. And at

times, that tends to make me a bit impatient. I want to get things done as

quickly as possible."

Bishop also learned from famous figures of history. Franklin Delano Roosevelt and "a young" Robert Moses are among those people that have helped not only Bishop shape Bishop's life but also America and Long Island. "FDR took America through its most difficult challenge, World War II," Bishop said. "He shaped and implemented the New Deal, which ended and turned around the Great Depression."

As for Moses, Bishop said he was, as a younger man, idealistic and accomplished great things for Long Island. He’s quick to point out, however, that "the older Robert Moses was a cynical man who became out of touch. That, of course," he continued, "is something all of us would choose to avoid.

Achieving success and accomplishing great things is never the work of a single politician, Bishop points out. It must include the people; the voters who can tell elected officials just what it is they want.

But getting people to trust and work with their elected officials is not always easy.

"I’ve struggled with the question of eliminating apathy among our voters," Bishop explained. "My hope is that we can do that with better education in our schools regarding the importance of citizenship. Civics (classes) are not always in the context of something meaningful. People then become adults without fully understanding (the importance of being involved). When government becomes esoteric, people drift away."

Bishop, who was born in Nassau County and who came to Suffolk County when he joined former County Executive Patrick Halpin’s administration, is a graduate of American University Fordham Law School. He first came to the legislature in 1991 and has been reelected ever since. He is presently the minority leader in the legislature.

As for the future, Bishop said we can learn from the past. He calls the 20th century a remarkable period in our history, that should move us into a new and better world.

"The greatest achievement of the last century was the triumph of democracy," he said. "I think in this, the 21st century, we want to see a majority of the world with stable governments and good, quality health care for all people."