Elections 2013

Gillen looks to unseat O’Connell for county clerk

Posted

The Nassau County Clerk’s office has many functions, including the maintenance of all property records in the county. The clerk serves the County and Supreme Courts, and as an officer for the state and federal governments.

The county clerk is Maureen O’Connell, who was first elected to the position in 2005, and re-elected in 2009. She has previously served in the New York State Assembly. She is being challenged by Laura Gillen, an attorney from Rockville Centre who has worked in the private sector as a commercial litigator.

The county clerk manages nearly $300 million a year in transactions, and offers services including passport processing, discharge papers for veterans, and the appointment of notary publics.

WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR COUNTY CLERK?

Maureen O’Connell: When I took office in 2006, I recognized the direct importance the clerk’s office plays in the lives of Nassau’s residents and how vital the services it provides are to the community. Although this is an office responsible for matters of public record, I made it my commitment to provide personal service to all visitors who seek our assistance. I have committed this office’s resources to help our veterans, provide assistance to those victims of Superstorm Sandy, and to implement technology to improve the delivery of our services. I am running for re-election to continue my vision of personalized service to our residents, improved technology, and cost-effective government.

Laura Gillen: I grew up in Nassau County and am now raising my children here. My parents grew up here and remain here. This pattern of generation after generation returning and remaining in Nassau is what makes our communities strong and connected. I want my children to be able to return here as adults. I hope to be able to remain here in my older years. However, Nassau’s debt and financial woes are making living here a losing proposition. Nassau needs new leaders who can move beyond partisan politics and cronyism and get the work of the people done. I can do that and will do that if I am elected to be Nassau’s County clerk. I am running in my first race for political office so I can be part of the solution for Nassau County.

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