Election 2015

Sweeney, Reid vie for town board seat

Posted

It’s the first time running for both candidates in the Town of Hempstead’s 5th Council District, which covers the southeast corner of the town. The incumbent is Republican Erin King Sweeney, who is seeking a full four-year term after being appointed to the board in January, following the resignation of Angie Cullin.

Challenging her is Democrat Michael Reid, a Merrick resident with a long history in the emergency services field. In addition to volunteering with the Merrick Fire Department, he has also served with several county and state firefighters’ organizations. He was the New York State Firefighter of the Year in 1986 for saving the lives of four people trapped in a burning and overturned auto which had crashed into a gas station in Freeport.

King Sweeney, daughter of Congressman Peter King, is a Seaford native and lives in Wantagh with her husband, two children, two dogs and 12 fish. She is an attorney and president of a strategic consulting business.

The 5th Council District includes all or parts of Baldwin, Bellmore, Freeport, Lido, Merrick, Point Lookout, Seaford and Wantagh.

Herald: Why are you running for the town board?

Erin King Sweeney: I was appointed to the town board in January when Angie Cullen retired. I have worked tirelessly for the residents of the 5th District since January and look forward to continuing to serve them.

Michael Reid: Lately, too many news stories about elected officials show that some involved in politics are less interested in helping the community and more interested in helping themselves. This has left the public disillusioned with government. I have dedicated myself to helping the community for more than 30 years, as a firefighter, paramedic, educator and Kiwanis member. Now I want to serve the community as a member of the town board, as well as help change the perception many have of government officials.

Page 1 / 3