Tuesday, January 14, 2025
As I reflect on my first year as a county legislator, I’m filled with a deep sense of gratitude and purpose. Having lived and worked in Nassau County for many years, I believed my experiences had prepared me for this role. And while those experiences certainly provided a strong foundation, I quickly learned that there’s nothing that quite prepares you for the responsibility and privilege of public service. Every day is surprisingly unique, offering constant opportunities for personal growth.
One of the most profound aspects of this first year has been connecting with constituents. So many people — with so many different personalities — call my office with various needs that it makes every day unique and unexpected.
While I have met and helped so many interesting people, as I write this, a special senior constituent comes to mind. She is a remarkable woman and a tireless advocate for veterans. We’ve spoken several times, and she inspires me more with each encounter. One of the many things she does is hand-cut stars from retired American flags and give them to veterans. She gave me a small stack to hand out at a wedding of a West Point alumnus that I attended, along with many veterans. She is a profound reminder of how small gestures of kindness impact people’s lives, and how choosing a path to help others is the most powerful thing you can do in your life.
Connecting with constituents means more than fielding phone calls. My office has been trying to get as many programs into the community as possible. Working with extraordinary leaders in government as well as community members has made a difference. To date we have conducted several programs, including the basics of Medicare, Narcan training, scam prevention, the Office of the Aging, tax grievances and community office hours. It’s my goal to make sure I’m educating the public as thoroughly as possible, on as many topics as possible, and to ensure that I’m out in the community and accessible to all those in the district. It is crucial that we empower local residents through constant transparency and education, which is something I can be proud of in my first year.
As far as legislative accomplishments are concerned, what stands out for me most is the Fairness in Women’s Sports Local Law. Advocating for this law was challenging, but at the same time deeply rewarding. The issue sparked passionate and heated debate, but hearing from moms on both sides of the political aisle who thanked me for standing firm reinforced how important this legislation is to so many young women.
Hearing from remarkable people such as Caitlyn Jenner and Keri Russell was nothing short of inspiring. This is a local law I am proud to have co-sponsored and supported with my colleagues to do our part in this fight, and I know we’re on the right side of this ongoing, yet waning, national debate. Protecting girls’ and women’s opportunities and safety isn’t just a matter of policy — it’s a matter of principle I will always stand for.
Looking ahead, I know there are more battles to fight, over such things as battery storage facilities and school district regionalization. I look forward to fighting them with the extraordinary input of my constituents, local community groups and government officials, in order to create the best outcomes for our residents. As I reflect over the past year, I am incredibly proud of what has been accomplished, and remain energized about the work ahead of us.
Serving as a county legislator has been nothing short of an honor. I feel blessed to have been put in this role by those in the 18th Legislative District, and I am committed to continuing this work with integrity, passion, and a focus that will uplift everyone in the community. Thank you again for your trust, your engagement and your support. My very best wishes to all for a healthy, happy and safe holiday season.
Samantha A. Goetz represents Nassau County’s 18th Legislative District.
