Seaford resident Christopher Carini has announced his campaign for the 5th Councilmanic District in the Town of Hempstead. He replaces Erin King Sweeney on the ballot, who dropped her re-election candidacy on Sept. 12.
Carini boasts several community-oriented accomplishments. Carini is a Port Authority police officer, a former MTA police officer and previously served as an officer with the New York Police Department, according to a news release. He also serves as the vice president of the Wantagh-Seaford Homeowners’ Association and is on the Nassau County Police Commissioner’s Community Council.
As the vice president of the Homeowners’ Association, Carini has pushed the Long Island Rail Road and the Metropolitan Transportaton Authority to remove graffiti at local train stations; increase policing at the stations; repair broken escalators; and enforce quality-of-life issues at commuter centers. Additionally, he has helped establish a community watch to combat neighborhood burglaries and other crimes.
"I am running against the pay-to-play culture of corruption that has permeated Hempstead Town government for far too long," she added in a statement on Sept. 25, pointing to more than $1,600 in donations made by Carini to Republican candidates since May. "I am proud to stand alongside Supervisor Gillen in her fight to clean up Town Hall."
Carini has consulted with Town Receiver of Taxes Don Clavin, who is challenging Supervisor Laura Gillen, to work on a taxpayer accountability plan. This would include “slashing patronage by $1 million on day one,” according to the release. Carini also supports the Republican majority’s 2019 budget, which received unanimous support aside from Gillen.
“The Carini Plan calls for strict fiscal accountability,” Carini said. “At the same time, we need to invest in our roadway network, which is in need of serious attention. I am working with Don Clavin to rebuild our infrastructure.”
“Putting taxpayers first is not just a campaign slogan for me,” he added. “It is my commitment to the residents of the 5th Councilmanic district.”
In Seaford, Carini is raising two children along with his wife, Danielle.
This story will be updated.
— Alyssa Seidman contributed to this story.