Election 2013: Town of Hempstead Council District 1

This year, Councilwoman Dorothy Goosby is being challenged by Elton McCabe for her seat on the Town of Hempstead Board to represent District 1.

Goosby, the sole Democrat on the Town of Hempstead Board, has represented District 1 since she was first elected in 1999. McCabe, her Republican challenger, has never held office, though he comes from a long line of public servants.

The current First District includes Hempstead, Lakeview, Roosevelt and Uniondale, as well as portions of Baldwin, Freeport, Garden City, Lynbrook, Rockville Centre, West Hempstead and Westbury. The new First District includes Roosevelt, Uniondale, Hempstead and Lakeview, as well as portions of Baldwin, Freeport, Rockville Centre, East Garden City and West Hempstead.

What makes you more qualified than your opponent?

Dorothy Goosby: In one word: experience. I have been in office since January 2000 and have worked closely with the community and its issues. I have also worked well with the other members of the Town Board, even though we are from different political parties. Before being in office I had extensive experience working with the community in the public school system.

Elton McCabe: The Republican Party holds the majority on the Town Board. I look forward to offering a youthful perspective.

What is your opinion on the new map of Council District 1?

Goosby: I like it. The map continues to cover constituents that I have worked with before and does not disenfranchise members of the community by putting them into other areas where they may not have any voice.

McCabe: The minority community can have a voice when it comes to its needs and concerns being heard in town government.

What do you think is the most important issue facing District 1, and what will you do to address it?