Herald Endorsement

Elect Rita Kestenbaum in the 19th L.D.

Posted

The Herald endorses Rita Kestenbaum in the race for the Nassau County Legislature’s 19th District.

Kestenbaum, a Democrat from Bellmore, is running against Steve Rhoads, a Republican from Bellmore, in a special election to fill the seat left empty when David Denenberg recently resigned from the post shortly before pleading guilty to eight counts of federal mail fraud. The election is set for next Tuesday, March 10.

Both Kestenbaum and Rhoads have long records of service to the community, and both have demonstrated a sincere desire to represent the 19th District. We felt stronger about Kestenbaum on two fronts.

For starters, Kestenbaum, a homemaker and community activist, said she could –– and would –– make the post her full-time job. Knowing her as we do, she would hold true to her word. Rhoads is a full-time attorney in a high-powered law firm. As such, he must devote considerable time to his regular job. That’s not to say that he would be delinquent in his duties as a legislator if he were elected. Kestenbaum, however, has more time to devote to what clearly can be a challenging position.

Second, we appreciate her willingness to speak her mind, without regard to political affiliation. Kestenbaum, who has been active in the community since she was a PTA leader in the 1990s, tells it like it is.

She said that county property taxes are too high, yet the county always seems to need more money. If elected, she wants to see where the revenue is going. A fresh set of eyes, looking at how money is being spent, would be a welcome addition to county government.

She is a former PTA president and volunteer for the Long Island Crisis Center, and youth and social services are near and dear to her heart. We believe she will be a much-needed advocate for these services, which have faced funding cuts in recent years. These services are needed throughout the county. Kestenbaum offered a practical solution for consistent funding: making sure that revenue from the red-light cameras goes toward these services. as was initially promised.

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