Friday, October 2, 2026
Liberty Water, government spending and public safety are the issues driving Democratic candidate Michael Vanunu’s campaign for the seat representing the Nassau County Legislature’s 12th District, which encompasses Bellmore, Merrick, Wantagh and a slice of Freeport.
Vanunu is focused on the proposed acquisition of Liberty Water by the South Nassau Water Authority. Completing the acquisition, he said, should be a priority because of rising water bills for Liberty customers. He added that the Legislature could play a role by holding hearings, and pressing Liberty and the water authority for information about negotiations and the proposed purchase.
“The longer this goes on, the more water rates will continue to increase,” Vanunu said.
The authority was created in 2021, and, he said, there has been insufficient progress toward completing the acquisition. Vanunu said that a public hearing could provide an opportunity to question Liberty about negotiations and the information needed to establish a purchase price.
Pointing to the county’s property tax assessment system as a longer-term affordability issue, he said that homeowners should not have to rely on the existing grievance process each year to seek a fair assessment, and called for a more transparent system. He acknowledged that changing that system would be complicated, but said he would work with people who have expertise in assessments and grievances to develop potential solutions.
Vanunu also said that the county should examine fees and regulations that impact local businesses, and consider ways to reduce costs for smaller enterprises, including possible breaks for new businesses or first-time renewals. “The more we help our small businesses thrive and stay in business,” he said, “the more that our consumers are going to directly feel the dollar amount in their pocket.”
Vanunu questioned a $12 million allocation in the county budget called “miscellaneous,” and said that taxpayers should have more information about how those funds are spent.
“I'm a lawyer — I work at an outside firm that gets hired by plenty of companies,” he said. “I see how much money is being wastefully spent on outside lawyers, when we have county lawyers, they’re supposed to be doing the job.”
Vanunu, who previously served as an assistant district attorney in Queens, said he wants to ensure that the Nassau County Police Department has the resources needed to staff its precincts and provide officers with training. Concerned about a shortage of detectives and upcoming retirements among senior officers, he also cited worries that staffing shortages could affect county services, including reports he noted about lengthy waits for emergency dispatch.
“Part of it is having the conversation with the Nassau Police Department as to what their current staffing issues are and what their needs are,” Vanunu said. “You know, same with CSEA and our support staff that works in the county.”
He said he would serve as a bridge between constituents and county agencies, particularly for residents who are unsure which government agency can address a problem.
“I make sure that everybody who calls me and asks me for help (gets help), that's what I do,” Vanunu said. “I take that extra step to make sure that … the person who asks me for help is put in touch with the right person who can help them.”
A practical, problem-solving approach to the work of the Legislature, emphasizing cooperation and research before making policy decisions, is what he said he would bring to the position.
“I’m looking to propose and work with others,” Vanunu said, “to help all of us.”
