Michael Reid vs. Erin King Sweeney

Michael Reid: Democrat, challenger

Age: 53

Lives in: Merrick

Career: Retired hospital EMS supervisor; paramedic/EMS instructor for North Shore-LIJ; worked for New York City 911 system

Political experience: First time running

Family: Wife, Marie; sons, Patrick and Timothy; daughter, Christina

Other: Volunteer, Merrick Fire Department; past president, Nassau County Firemen’s Association; member, Board of Directors, Firemen’s Association of the State of New York; member, Merrick and Seaford Kiwanis Clubs; member, New York State EMS Council; 1986 New York State Firefighters of the Year, member, New York League of Conservation Voters

On the issues: Reid, with a long career in the emergency services, is particularly concerned about the heroin epidemic on Long Island. He is a founding member of the Bellmore-Merrick Heroin Task Force, and said that he has no sympathy for drug dealers. If elected, he would like all town employees to be trained on Narcan, the heroin overdose antidote.

While Reid said the town generally does a good job managing its money, he is concerned that it has been using money from its reserves to fund the budget. He said reserves should only be a contingency fund for emergencies.

Reid said that money could be saved by cutting down on town mailings. He said the town offers a lot of services to its residents, and would not want any of these cut. He also says he supports term limits for town officials.

He wants to see redevelopment of the Grand Avenue corridor in Baldwin, and would use the Industrial Development Agency and tax incentives to attract development there and any area of the town in need of revitalization.

Reid said he is concerned by allegations made by animal activists about leadership and conditions at the town animal shelter in Wantagh. He said there should be a review of its leaders to see if they are qualified for their jobs, and would like to create an independent panel with animal and shelter experts to review its operations.

Erin King Sweeney: Republican, incumbent

Age: 41

Lives in: Wantagh

Career: Lawyer

Political experience: Hempstead town councilwoman, January 2015-present

Family: Husband from Ireland, two children