Darien Ward vows to fight for a more responsive government as he runs for councilman in the 4th District

Darien Ward pledged that he would bring the government to the people if elected Hempstead town councilman for the 4th District in November.

Ward, who has been involved with the Baldwin Civic Association since 2011, announced to the Herald on April 25 that he would be running for election in the new district, which was created by redistricting. The town approved the new lines in February, effectively splitting Baldwin in half. Ward has been fighting to keep Baldwin unified.

“The aim here in Baldwin with the Baldwin Civic Association has always been to keep Baldwin together as one hamlet,” Ward said. He explained that he had no intention of running for councilman until Baldwin Democrats reached out to him and asked if he had any interest, and that he agreed to run after seeing the district redrawn.

If he is elected, Ward said, his goal would be to make government more “hands on” with issues in Baldwin.

Many town meetings take place during the day, and Ward said that people who have an interest or concern about something have little ability to speak, “unless you’re a retiree or you’re able to drive to these meetings during the day.”

These issues are a driving force in Ward’s campaign, and he said he would work on making the government have more “ears on the ground” and address issues more directly.

“Even if the politicians can’t find a final solution or a final answer, it’s important that they are engaged with the people,” he said.

One of the most glaring issues Ward said he wanted to tackle is affordable housing. “Housing is very expensive on Long Island,” he said, “and I will try to find a way to have extended family members stay where they’re comfortable.”

He said he wanted to “extend living conditions to young people and older people so that they can have a standard of living … until they can afford moving into a home.”

Ward also wants to address issues related to sanitation, law enforcement and access to community parks. “All of these are relevant issues that we need to always keep an ear on and an eye out,” he said. “I want to keep the suburban feel on Long Island, but also be cognizant about the need to have more housing.”