Look closely at the incumbents

To the Editor:

Now, after more than seven months have elapsed and on the eve of another critical local election, I believe that it is appropriate and helpful that I offer some reflections and views based on my experience. As many are aware, my first and last foray into politics was unsuccessful but extremely educational. I entered the arena with two of my colleagues with the hope of advancing and furthering our attack on the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s unjustified map incursion into Valley Stream. We also advocated and brought with us an agenda that would have improved the quality of life for Valley Stream and political integrity in the village. However, the voters expressed themselves and everyone involved in the election process has gone forward. I continue to oppose FEMA’s flood maps and zone designations.

In any case, I did learn a great deal from the campaign. Although the political process occurred during the brutally cold weather of this past winter, I did get to meet many people in the community throughout the length and breadth of the village. I also had the chance to say “Good morning” to hundreds of early commuters at the three LIRR stations in Valley Stream.

What disturbed and concerned me most was the nature of questions and comments directed to me along the campaign trails. These were asked more than once and included the following:  1) Are you a Christian?  2) What are your views on abortion and birth control?  3) Are you a Democrat?  4) What kind of name is Margolin? (Unlike my adversaries in the elections, I did not think it was appropriate or relevant to place the name of my house of worship, if any, on my campaign literature.)

As I traveled around the community during last March’s election campaign, I noticed homes with signs supporting incumbent candidates. I was puzzled and did not understand why residents would support officials who created the very problems and issues plaguing the community. I feel the same as I travel around Valley Stream now prior to the local election on Nov. 8.

My election experience in Valley Stream has taught me the following: 1) There are many registered voters who do not vote or know the issues and positions of the specific candidates. 2) There are voters who don’t care what the positions of the respective candidates are because they vote based on their religion, prejudices and party affiliation or loyalty. 3) There are voters who vote because of their own specific economic situations and not the merit of political arguments or the integrity of specific candidates.

There are those residents who are well-informed about the candidates and issues. Unfortunately, not enough of them vote. They rely on the judgment of their neighbors who proceed to re-elect incumbents who have had a part in causing or facilitating the problems facing the village, like taxes based on questionable assessment criteria, and the implementation of highly questionable flood zone designations.

Unfortunately, as I travel around Valley Stream now, I see March being repeated. I cannot understand why an individual would support and vote for an incumbent who has been part of the problem and has not actively been a part of the solution. To answer those who wondered about my political affiliation, I am neither a Democrat nor a Republican. I examine candidate positions and the issues and do not vote for incumbents who have led us to where we are today. In this instance, the devil I do not know may be better than the devil I do know. My experience last March has reinforced my views that Valley Stream, the Town of Hempstead and Nassau County are in need of a giant breath of fresh air.

Joseph B. Margolin

Former candidate for mayor

Valley Stream