Friday, October 23, 2026
Nassau County Legislator Samantha Goetz is seeking re-election on a platform centered on affordability, public safety and constituent services, while criticizing the state’s handling of the proposed Propel NY Energy transmission project and calling for greater transparency from its developers.
Goetz, 38, a Locust Valley resident and an attorney, is seeking another term representing the county’s 18th Legislative District. A former employee of the county attorney’s office and a former staffer for the late State Sen. Carl Marcellino, she said her experience in government has helped her navigate the bureaucracy on behalf of residents.
Affordability remains one of her top concerns, she said, particularly for homeowners struggling with rising property taxes. The county, Goetz said, has gone 15 or 16 years without increasing its tax levy, though she acknowledged that residents continue to feel the burden of their overall tax bills.
Goetz, a Republican, said the county has also received several bond rating upgrades in recent years, which can reduce borrowing costs and benefit taxpayers. For older residents on fixed incomes, she said her office helps homeowners identify property tax exemptions and credits that they may qualify for.
Goetz also emphasized public safety, citing investments in police, fire departments and emergency equipment. Her greatest success, she said, has been connecting with voters and making sure their voices are heard on issues of public safety.
“I think my most proud [achievement], in general… it's basically listening to my residents and then trying to deliver what I can for their safety and what they need,” she said.
On the Propel NY Energy project, Goetz expressed concern about the proposed underground transmission lines and their potential effects on North Shore communities. She argued that the state-level approval process has left residents feeling excluded from decisions that could affect their neighborhoods, roadways and future infrastructure projects.
“The residents are feeling very shut out,” Goetz said, “and I don't think that's right, because all these things impact us in different ways.”
In Glen Head, she added, residents have repeatedly approached her about expanding sewer access, but the proposed transmission lines could complicate those plans. She also questioned how construction would affect the area’s narrow roads and emergency access.
Goetz said she supports renewable energy, but believes developers have not adequately explained the project’s purpose, benefits and potential consequences. “I'm very into transparency,” she said. “Just tell everybody everything.”
Her environmental concerns also include flooding and water quality. Goetz said she has worked with local municipalities to explore ways to redirect stormwater toward its natural flow, and supports maintaining funding for nitrogen-reducing septic systems, which can help protect local waterways.
On public safety more broadly, Goetz defended cooperation between Nassau County police and Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency agents, arguing that coordination can prevent enforcement actions from spilling into residential neighborhoods.
As she seeks another term, Goetz said her accessibility to constituents distinguishes her approach to office. “I always try to make sure I'm just present and everyone can feel comfortable to have a conversation with me,” she said. “So call me.”
