Dec 27, 2024 Story by: Editor
Siela Bynoe fondly recalls her childhood days riding her bike along Post Avenue in Westbury, stopping by Frank’s Pizza and Gershon’s five-and-dime shop. Little did she know, her connection to the neighborhood would one day shape her career in public service.
On a chilly December afternoon at Nana’s Ice Cream and Coffee House, Bynoe reminisced about her childhood, including running to buy candy after school. She also shared her favorite Caribbean-inspired spots on Long Island, such as Jamaican Flavors in North Baldwin and the Blue Mermaid in Uniondale.
Now 57, Bynoe’s lived experiences have guided her as she represented neighborhoods like Westbury for a decade as a Nassau County legislator. Beginning next month, she will embark on a new chapter as the state senator for New York’s 6th District, succeeding Kevin Thomas, who opted not to seek re-election. The district largely overlaps with her previous jurisdiction, covering Hempstead, Uniondale, and New Cassel.
“I’ve poured my whole life into public service… This is the work that I love to do and I do it from the heart,” Bynoe shared with Newsday. “I live every day intentionally to try and make somebody else’s burden that much lighter.”
Bynoe’s election marks a historic moment as she becomes the first Black New York state senator to represent Long Island since the Senate’s inception in 1777. The milestone is especially significant in a district where nearly 60% of residents are Black or Hispanic.
In her initial months in office, Bynoe plans to focus on initiatives such as aiding first-time homebuyers, expanding affordable housing, and improving healthcare access. Stabilizing the Nassau University Medical Center (NUMC) is a top priority. She envisions consolidating NUMC’s campuses and transforming unused lots into facilities for assisted living, rehabilitation, and veteran care.
Although a career in public life wasn’t part of her early ambitions, Bynoe’s journey reflects her commitment to service. As a child, she dreamt of becoming a banker and enjoyed lending Monopoly money to her siblings. After graduating from Westbury High School, she realized this dream by working at the European American Bank in Uniondale.
Bynoe earned an associate degree from Nassau Community College and later funded her studies at Hofstra University, where she obtained a bachelor’s degree in psychology at age 35. She also holds a master’s degree in public administration from Long Island University.
Her banking career involved assessing loan applications under the Community Reinvestment Act, which aims to meet the credit needs of low-income communities. “I was meeting families who were trying to get a portion of the American dream,” she said, drawing parallels to her own family’s struggles.
Bynoe’s parents, immigrants from Suriname and the Caribbean, worked tirelessly to provide for their three children. The family moved from Crown Heights to Queens Village and eventually settled on Long Island when she was five.
After being laid off from the bank, Bynoe transitioned to nonprofit work, assisting first-time homebuyers with down payment grants. She later served as assistant director and then commissioner of the North Hempstead Housing Authority. Her experience with breast cancer in 2003 further deepened her commitment to addressing issues like water contamination and public health.
In 2010, Bynoe was elected to the Westbury school board, and in 2014, she joined the Nassau County Legislature. Her dedication didn’t waver as she juggled roles, including serving as executive director for the Huntington Housing Authority. “Sleep is overrated,” she quipped to Newsday.
Her tireless efforts have earned praise from colleagues across party lines. Jay Jacobs, chair of the Democratic Party for the state and Nassau County, commended her for her commitment to the community. “The Nassau Legislature’s loss is the State Senate’s gain,” Jacobs said.
Bynoe’s ability to collaborate with diverse groups is well-recognized. “She’s looking at the rock from the top, the sides, and even underneath,” said North Hempstead Councilman Robert Troiano. State Senator Jack Martins echoed similar sentiments, noting her respect for differing perspectives.
As Bynoe bid farewell to the Nassau legislative chambers on Dec. 16, Presiding Officer Howard Kopel acknowledged her decade of dedicated service. “She’s going to do as ferocious and fine a job fighting for her constituents [in Albany] as she’s done here,” he said.
Reflecting on the moment, Bynoe admitted, “I’m at a loss for words.”
“That never happens!” Kopel joked, lightening the heartfelt farewell. Source: News Day
