ELECTION ROUNDUP

Assessor's race

      The race for Nassau County assessor rarely raises a stir, but this year, it's become a heated battle pitting incumbent Charles O'Shea (R-North Merrick) against challenger Harvey Levinson, a Democrat from Garden City.


Harvey Levinson
      Harvey Levinson has charged that the assessor's office, under O'Shea's watch, didn't do enough to keep tabs on Cole, Layer and Trumble's recent reassessment of all of Nassau County's more than 400,000 properties. As a result, some 40,000 properties were incorrectly assessed.
      "If we don't get this correct, the county could go into serious, serious financial turmoil," said Levinson.
      In particular, Levinson takes issue with the way waterfront and luxury homes (those selling for more than $1 million) were valued. Many of the properties, Levinson says, were undervalued during reassessment.
      Levinson, 64, joined the Nassau County District Attorney's Office in 1975 and worked his way up to chief assistant district attorney, the post he retired from in 2002.


Charles O'Shea
      Charles O'Shea, however, says Cole, Layer and Trumble got an estimated 90 percent of the assessments correct, an excellent result considering that the county hadn't been reassessed for 60-plus years. Nassau County now has the "most accurate [assessment] roll of any large municipality in the state," says O'Shea.
      O'Shea says Democratic detractors have latched onto waterfront homes as a partisan issue. But, he says, people must recognize that waterfront homes account for only 4 percent of all Nassau County properties.
      O'Shea, 45, spent 11 years in the New York State Assembly before winning a six-year term as the county assessor. He also served as an assistant district attorney with the Nassau County District Attorney's Office and a lawyer in the county attorney's office.
      

1st Legislative district

The 1st Legislative District includes Roosevelt, Uniondale and parts of Hempstead Village, Baldwin, Freeport and East Meadow



Kevan Abrahams
Democratic incumbent
Lives in Hempstead

Experience:
Elected to the Nassau County legislature in a special election in 2001; formerly the majority budget director for the legislature; former aide to U.S. Rep. Floyd Flake

Employment:
Works at Long Island Jewish-North Shore Hospital in the strategic planning office

Accomplishments:
      Abrahams says that communities in his district desperately need economic development initatives and to fill commercial space, and he will continue to work with County Executive Tom Suozzi to bring in businesses. He is trying to tackle the growing gang problem by working with the police and community groups and holding educational forums. He also says that while the county desperately needs affordable housing, his district is overburdened with it, and policy makers need to start looking in "unconventional" places for new housing.
      Abrahams says the Republicans are distorting the numbers when they talk about how much Democrats have raised taxes and spending, and he says independent agencies confirm the county is moving forward. But he says he is not a "rubber stamp" for the county executive and is proud of having worked to restore $600,000 in cuts to county youth programs.



Ricky LaRosa
Republican challenger
Lives in Uniondale

Experience:
Vice president of the Uniondale Republican Club; ran unsuccessfully for school board in Uniondale and Hempstead Village

Employment: Town of Hempstead employment counselor

Accomplishments:
      LaRosa vows he won't play "politics as usual" if elected and will be an independent voice for the district. While he bemoans the direction the country has headed, he believes voters can take back the government at a local level. He believes the district needs to attract and keep high-tech businesses and create more affordable housing.
      As a Costa Rican immigrant, he says he would work to get temporary visas for undocumented day laborers but also believes that if illegal immigrants commit crimes, they should be deported.


3rd district roundup

The 3rd Legislative District includes Elmont, Franklin Square, North Valley Stream and South Floral Park



John Ciotti
Republican incumbent
Lives in Valley Stream North

Experience:
Nassau County legislator since the body's inception in 1996; has sat on nine committees, including Judiciary and Budget Review. Former legal counsel to Sanitation District 6. Former chairman and treasurer of the Western Nassau Water Authority.

Employment:
Attorney specializing in civil litigation, commercial law and domestic relations.

Accomplishments:
Ciotti prides himself on being one of the most active legislators, sitting on numerous committees during his tenure. "In order to know what's going on, you have to be there," he says. In addition, he considers directly working with his constituents the most satisfying part of his job. Last month, he opened a satellite office in Valley Stream to move closer to the people he represents.
      Ciotti believes his record as a legislator is all anyone needs to know about him, citing his community involvement and vigor for the job as his strong suits. He remains committed to holding the line on tax increases, especially for seniors on fixed incomes.
      Ciotti dismisses criticism that he and the Republican minority are "obstructionists," saying that party disagreements result in constructive debate over what is best for Nassau County residents.
      Ciotti is also proud of his support for youth programs, such as Gateway Youth Outreach in Elmont, even in the face of threatened cuts by former County Exec Tom Gullotta.



Lawrence DeAngelis

Democratic challenger
Lawrence DeAngelis
Lives in Franklin Square

Experience:
Co-founder of the Working Families Party on Long Island. Community activist running a second time for the Third Legislative District seat (lost to Ciotti in 2001).

Employment:
Labor negotiator for Verizon and its former incarnations for 23 years.

Platform:
DeAngelis believes that his opponent is at least partially culpable for the county's current budget woes. He asserts that he will be more active in the community that Ciotti is.
      DeAngelis is focused primarily on re-evaluating and addressing the needs of the changing Third District. He believes that as a working class haven, his district must adapt and find ways to make it possible for the workers of Nassau County to continue living here.
      As a registered member of the Working Families Party, DeAngelis hopes to bring a unique voice to the legislature, vowing to never be a rubber stamp for County Executive Tom Suozzi. Rather, DeAngelis believes his experience as a labor negotiator combined with a more independent attitude will enhance the diversity of county government.
      DeAngelis responds to critics of his limited experience in government with the belief that his hard work and dedication, especially to the workers he represents and the party he helped form, will make up for it until he learns the ropes.

Fourth Legislative District

Michael Zapson vs. Denise Ford

The Fourth Legislative District includes the entire Long Beach barrier island, and parts of Island Park and Oceanside.



Michael Zapson
Democrat incumbent

Experience:
Nassau County legislator since special election in May, 1999. Elected to first of two full terms in November, 1999, and now seeking re-election to third term. He has chaired the county's Finance and Judiciary committees. Served ten years on Long Beach City Council.

Employment:
Attorney with Davidoff & Malito, LLP, where he concentrates in litigation, real estate, and estate proceedings.

Personal:
Long Beach native; has two sons with wife Jacqueline.

Accomplishments:
      On the legislature, Zapson believes he has been an invaluable and strong link in the communities he represents. As Finance chair, he believes his support of Tom Suozzi's 2003 budget and four-year plan has proven to be a stabilizing force for Nassau. He says he has led the way by sponsoring legislation that banned smoking in all restaurants, bars and workplaces in Nassau, and lays claim to a dedication to the preservation of open space, recreational areas and other environmentally sensitive areas in the county.
      Zapson and his Democratic colleagues also say they have been effective in moving many other initiatives through the legislature. In December 2000, they unanimously passed what was called a historically significant law that expanded the protections under the county's Human Rights legislation to include prohibitions against discriminations based on gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion and ethnicity. In 2002, Zapson also supported Charity Care legislation requiring all county hospitals to be more accountable in providing proper health care to those patients who cannot pay. He also helped the Village of Atlantic Beach gain its own zoning powers, which had rested with the Town of Hempstead.



Denise Ford
Republican challenger

Experience:
Former union shop steward for Communication Workers of America, Local 1101 and 1106; long-time community activist in Long Beach who recently served as president of the West End Neighbors Association.

Employment:
Retired technician who spent 25 years with New York Telephone Co.

Personal:
Long Beach resident; mother of three; was married to late Harry Ford, firefighter killed in 2001 Astoria, Queens, Father's Day fire.

Platform:
Disappointed in Democratic majority's alleged half-billion dollars in new spending and a 57 percent increase in county taxes since taking control four years ago. She feels the district needs a legislator "who will fight for the taxpayer above the needs of special interests."
      Ford said, "I will work to stop the massive spending and tax hikes imposed by Mr. Zapson and his colleagues that are placing an unconscionable burden on homeowners." Believes in capping spending and cutting where possible by using any surplus funds to pay down existing debt, consolidating departments instead of increasing them and working with local government to share the handling of services such as snow plowing, road maintenance and other municipal tasks.
      Though registered as a Democrat, she insists she will be an independent thinking, cost-conscious representative of the people. Despite her opponent's support for the county's Open Space Law, Ford doesn't believe he has represented his constituents' interests well by offering his legal representation to local condominium developers in Long Beach.

5th legislative district

The 5th Legislative District includes Baldwin, South Hempstead, parts of Rockville Centre and Freeport.


Joseph Scannell
Democratic incumbent
Lives in Baldwin with his wife, Meryl, and two children

Experience:
Nassau County legislator since 1999; chairman of the Public Safety Committee, vice chairman of the Towns and Villages Committee and a member of the Rules and Minority Affairs committees

Employment:
Attorney; served 10 years in the Nassau County District Attorney's Office

Accomplishments:
      Scannell prides himself on bringing county money into the district, and especially his hometown of Baldwin, which he said had been ignored for decades. Among the projects he cites are a $4.4 million pond renovation project for Lofts, Milburn and Silver Lake ponds, securing $500,000 in beautification money for Grand Avenue, and helping to institute a street-sweeping pilot program on Grand Avenue.
      Scannell also touts his work with County Executive Tom Suozzi and the Democratic majority in helping to turn around the county's finances by reducing its debt, cutting costs and balancing its budget, leading to bond rating increases by independent Wall Street firms. He has also held hearings on the prison system, parking bureau and juvenile prison.
      Responding to his opponent's charge that he hasn't been accessible to constituents, Scannell points out that he is the first legislator to open a local district office, has held 35 meetings in the district and opened more than 1,800 constituent files. Scannell says he wants to continue to deliver for the district and "finish the job" in the county.


Kevin Kamen
Republican challenger
Lives in Baldwin with his wife, Cheryl

Experience:
President of the Baldwin Public Library Board of Trustees and a board member for 26 years; chief of the Baldwin Auxiliary Police; board member of the Baldwin Council Against Drug Abuse; coordinator of the Baldwin Community Leaders Charity Softball Game

Employment: president and owner of Kamen & Co. Group Services, a print media financial valuation and management firm

Accomplishments:
      Kamen says his 25 years as an elected public servant on the library board, his work with the auxiliary police and as a community volunteer make him well equipped to serve as a legislator. Nassau County residents are over-taxed, he believes, and Kamen says neither party has been "watching the bottom line." He says that with his financial background, he will watch out for taxpayers and rein in county spending.
      He accuses his opponent of not being accessible to constituents, and says he will be a "24/7" representative and will hold regular evening and Saturday office hours. He also says Scannell lacks creative and ambitious ideas, and says that if elected, he will convene a district-wide economic council made up of leaders from each community to help solve problems and bring businesses into the area.
      Kamen also vows to work on quality-of-life issues like code enforcement, clean streets and cracking down on gang violence. He said he will work closely with the Town of Hempstead and suggested bringing in federal enforcement agencies to weed out gang hot spots.

6th Legislative District

The 6th Legislative District includes Lynbrook, Valley Stream, East Rockaway and parts of Oceanside and Rockville Centre.


Francis X. Becker
Republican incumbent
Lives in Lynbrook

Experience:
Nassau County legislator since the body's inception in 1996.

Employment:
Owns an insurance business in Lynbrook.

Education:
Attended Nassau Community College and Hofstra University, studying business and finance.

Accomplishments:
      Becker would cite his record for getting things done for his constituency as the main reason he's been elected to four terms, though running as a Republican in a mainly Republican district can't hurt.
      Though he did not respond to requests for interviews with the Herald this year, according to comments he's recently made in other forums, Becker sees county finances, traffic, the environment, crime and affordable housing as the most pressing concerns in his district.
      Though Democrats hold the majority in the Legislature, Becker says that more than 95 percent of legislative issues pass with bipartisan support. He denies criticism that county government is secretive. "I don't agree it's been secretive," he said at the forum. "I've never met such fine people on all levels of government on a bipartisan basis."
      The Legislature's Web site touts Becker's community involvement. He is a member the board of directors of the Excellence in Education Foundation at Lynbrook High School, the Lynbrook Elks Lodge, Our Lady of Peace parish Holy Name Society and Lynbrook High School's Moms and Dads Club. He is also a member of the advisory committee for the Children's House and is a past president of the Lynbrook Junior Chamber of Commerce.


Richard Glassberg
Democratic challenger
Lives in Lynbrook

Experience:
Served eight terms as trustee on Valley Stream School District 24's Board of Education and 22 years on the Central High School District board; was president of both boards during his tenure.

Employment:
Retired college professor with experience as a securities analyst, investment banker and corporate business manager.

Education:
Graduated first in his class at Alfred University, studied at Princeton, earned an MBA at Harvard and was in the doctoral program at New York University's School of Business Administration.

Platform:
      Glassberg's "positive vision for the future" begins with eliminating "waste and patronage" and making sure Democrats maintain control of the Legislature under Democratic County Executive Tom Suozzi.
      While the county's finances are on the minds of virtually every candidate and voter, Glassberg would also like to draw attention to the lack of affordable housing in the county. "We are losing our young people who can't afford to live here anymore," he has said. While the Legislature has limited say over zoning issues, Glassberg said tax abatements could encourage builders to develop low-rise attached and semi-attached houses, especially in downtown areas.
      Glassberg says plans to develop the "Nassau Hub," the area that runs from Roosevelt Field south through Nassau Community College, are "really long overdue," but good ideas have been proposed, including a monorail.
      Finally, Glassberg believes there is a way to provide greater government accessibility. Considering his school board experience, he says, "We have our [county] budget printed well in advance and have several meetings so the public can voice their opinions," similar to the process preceding school district budget votes.

Seventh Legislative District

The Seventh District encompasses part of Oceanside, Lawrence, Cedarhurst, Woodmere, Hewlett, North Woodmere, Inwood, a portion of East Rockaway, Mill Brook, Island Park, Harbor Isle and Bay Park.


Jeff Toback
44 years old
Democrat
Incumbent
Lives in Oceanside
Lawyer with offices in Hewlett
Won the seat in November 1999, beating Bruce Blakeman
Beat Merik Aaron to win re-election in 2001
Served on the Legislature's Rules Committee
Chaired the Government Services Committee


      Jeff Toback says he wants to be elected to a third two-year term in the Nassau County Legislature so he can continue being part of a legislative team that is responsible for the county's "dramatic and tangible" fiscal turnaround. The Democrats, he said, have significantly reduced the county's deficit, and its bond rating has risen.
      Toback said he wants to continue to work on the traffic problems that have been plaguing his district, particularly at Broadway and Franklin Avenue in Hewlett.
      Toback accused his opponent, Mara Jacobowitz, of running a campaign full of lies and distortions, and said that on Nov. 4 voters will not buy into her deceptive tactics.
      Toback has said that since Oceanside has not received adequate services from the Town of Hempstead, which has also raised taxes in the unincorporated areas, he suggested that the area consider incorporating as a village. He made the suggestion as a private citizen and resident, however, and not as a legislator.
      He said he has no problems working with Democrats or Republicans, and has worked on a number of bipartisan issues with fellow legislators.



Mara Jacobowitz
46 years old
Republican challenger
Lives in North Woodmere
Member of the Hewlett-Woodmere School District PTA since 1986
Served on the district's transportation, health and safety committees and curriculum committee
Founded the North Woodmere Civic Association's Neighborhood Watch Program
Served on subsidiary boards of Aetna Inc., reviewing financial matters


      Mara Jacobowitz says she has been a civic activist since 1986, fighting for traffic safety improvements for District 14. She wants to win election to her first public office to continue to fight for improvements for the local neighborhoods and to be an advocate for residents.
      Jacobowitz has hammered the Democratic-led Legislature and its tax-and-spend policies, accusing the Democrats of raising taxes by 57 percent and increasing spending by $500 million since they took control four years ago.
      She said she jumped into the race because Jeff Toback is slow to act on local issues such as traffic safety improvements.
      Jacobowitz believes that one of the hot-button issues for the campaign is her opponent's efforts to incorporate Oceanside and make it a village. She said that as a legislator, he shouldn't get involved in leading a fight for incorporation.
      She accused Toback of refusing to build bridges with the Town of Hempstead, specifically Town Councilman Anthony Santino.

8th District

The 8th Legislative District includes West Hempstead, Garden City, Garden City South and parts of Franklin Square, Floral Park and Malverne.



Vincent Muscarella

Republican incumbent
Lives in West Hempstead

Experience:
Nassau County legislator since the body's inception in 1996; has sat on numerous committees, including Health and Social Services and Judiciary. Served as state assemblyman for the former 22nd Assembly District for four years.

Employment:
Attorney specializing in estate law and wills. Has served in the Hempstead Town Attorney's Office and the Nassau County Attorney's Office.

Accomplishments:
      Modeling his political goals after his father, former Town of Hempstead Councilman Joseph Muscarella, Vincent believes in a balanced approach to government. "My dad would say, 'You need to listen to all sides and get people to work together,'" he says. "He taught me through his example that government is a noble and honorable profession, one to be proud of."
      Muscarella's involvement in the community is almost palpable: he is an active member of no fewer than 10 community organizations. He believes deeply in providing good government for his constituents on a very local and direct level.
      Muscarella considers working with civic groups, chambers and individuals in addressing the problems faced by residents his greatest accomplishment. He hopes to continue looking for answers to the illegal housing issues facing his own community, saying that with limited space, the legal conversion of homes into two-family homes may be the best option.



Joseph DeFelice

Democratic challenger
Joseph DeFelice
Lives in Malverne

Experience:
Active member of the Nassau County Democratic Party. Ran for Assembly in the 21st District in 2002 (lost to Tom Alfano).

Employment:
Kew Gardens-based trial lawyer; has represented defendants in many high-profile cases.

Platform:
      DeFelice is a private-practice attorney specializing in criminal, immigration and family law. Last year he was elected vice president of the Confederation of Colombian Lawyers and is also a past president of the local Colombian Lawyers Association in Queens County, serving as the chairman of the association's Anti-Discrimination Committee.
      DeFelice believes that the continuing financial crunch in Nassau County can only be solved with increased Democratic support in the Legislature. "What upset me was the way Nassau County's been mismanaged by the Republicans," he said. He believes that as a legislator, he can help provide County Executive Tom Suozzi with a super majority (13 votes), thereby allowing him to borrow money for county projects.
      DeFelice has focused on making unsafe land, such as Franklin Square's Genzele Superfund site, usable again. "I would ensure that the agencies responsible do what needs to be done to make that land available," said DeFelice. He wants the land to ultimately be used for housing.
      DeFelice believes that his experience with trial law prepares him for dealing with the rigors of the Legislature, saying that his common sense and direct approach will be useful.

Town of Hempstead Supervisor

Kathleen Murray
Republican

      Murray was a state assemblywoman from 1998 to 2001, when she was elected the first woman town clerk.
      The incumbent says she has had eight months to learn the job of supervisor, and as town clerk she learned the ins and outs of the town departments. Murray also said she has proved she could handle the job with the leadership skills she displayed during the many trials the town has faced during her brief tenure, including one of the toughest winters in recent memory, the blackout and the threat of hurricane Isabel.
      Murray, who practiced law before being appointed to the assembly in 1998, says she understands what it takes to be town supervisor, making sure quality services are delivered in a timely manner and at the "best and lowest cost." She also believes her position can be used as a "bully pulpit," and vows that if she is elected, she will keep standing up against injustices on all levels.

Dorothy Goosby
Democrat
      Goosby was first elected to the town board in 1999, and it was her lawsuit against the town's at-large election system that led to the creation of six geographic councilmanic districts so that each area had a representative. She boldly calls herself a "changer of government."
      Goosby believes her run is a fight against injustices. She said not all areas of the town are served equally, and that she is the person who can bring equity to all. She says one of the first things she would do if elected is to remove administrators she feels have been given patronage jobs. "They're not there because they're actually qualified," she said, adding that she has provided resumes of well-qualified applicants who haven't even been considered for jobs.
      Goosby is a registered dietitian/nutritionist and has a master's degree in labor relations, accounting and finance.

Town of Hempstead Town Clerk

Mark Bonilla
Republican Incumbent
       Took over as town clerk when Kate Murray was appointed as the Town of Hempstead supervisor.

      Going in, Mark Bonilla knew it wouldn't be easy replacing former Hempstead Town Clerk Kate Murray, who is now town supervisor. Instead of making changes, he stuck with Murray's script and built on what she had started.
      Bonilla is the first Hispanic to hold the town clerk's post. Although he had never held public office before his eight-month stint as clerk, Bonilla says his experience as an attorney gives him the ability to perform the clerk's job.
      If elected this November, Bonilla says he would be more stringent on passport restrictions and continue to build on his relationship with the public.
      Before being appointed as town clerk, Bonilla was a trial attorney, practicing criminal, real estate, domestic relations, landlord-tenant and personal injury law. He is also a member of the Seaford Republican Club, and he serves on the President's Advisory Board at Molloy College in Rockville Centre.



Kevin Gorman
Democratic Challenger
      ITAL: Ran against former Town of Hempstead Supervisor Richard Guardino and received 45 percent of the votes in a losing effort. UNITAL

      Bonilla's Democratic challenger, Kevin Gorman, wants change. He says he's tired of business as usual at the Town of Hempstead. He views the clerk's position as a way to challenge the town council and supervisor.
      He accuses his opponent of failing to produce town documents on time and of holding back budget information during town hearings. Gorman says he would "shake things up" in the town, if elected.
      Gorman has a professional background in finance. He spent 20 years in the industry before he took a position with the Nassau County OTB. There, he was eventually named executive director of labor and facilities.
      Gorman also wants the Clerk's Office to be open weekends and to be equipped with the latest technology.

Receiver of Taxes

Donald Clavin
Republican Incumbent
Took over as Town of Hempstead Receiver of Taxes in 2001

      With almost two years at the in office as the Receiver of Taxes, Donald Clavin has the leg up on any challenger. He knows the ins and outs of the Town of Hempstead and has been energetic in his efforts.
      Clavin says this is a position he as wanted and earned. He loves working with the public and hopes in his first full term he will be able to bring more technology to the office and continue to make receiving taxes easier.
      As a Republican, Clavin feels it is important to keep the package of Town Clerk Mark Bonilla and Kate Murray together. Clavin also says that his position is strictly a position in which he focuses on serving and educating residents about their taxes and programs that offer some relief. He is not a community activist that will demand change at the Town. The position of Receiver does not work on the physical changes of the community.       
      Clavin says that since he took office he as worked hard and will continue to work hard so that people will better understand their taxes. Unlike his opponent he is focused on his job not policies he has no control over.




Jerry LaMonica
Democrat Challenger
Has lost Town of Hempstead Council race three times

      Jerry LaMonica will forever be known in Oceanside as an activist. Someone who wants the best for his community and will stop at nothing to get it. Including running for Receiver of Taxes.
      While he fully understands the duties of the position, LaMonica sees this opportunity as more of foot in the door, and he says there is nothing wrong with that. He feels that the position should be more than just receiving taxes, but as a vocal leader in the Town of Hempstead. Not only should the position focus on his duties, but become an activist and a voice of reason.       
      LaMonica has charged Clavin with side-stepping his duties. "This is an elected position," he said. With power comes responsibility, but LaMonica says he would immediately improve the conditions in Oceanside and take a stance at Town Board meetings. LaMonica says he will take the Town government to task on issues and views the position as a stepping stone for a Town Council bid.
      

Town of Hempstead Council Districts

The 3rd TOH District includes Bellerose, Floral Park, New Hyde Park and parts of Elmont, Franklin Square, West Hempstead, Garden City, Hempstead and North Valley Stream.




Edward Ambrosino

Republican
Lives in North Valley Stream

Experience:
Former majority counsel for the Nassau County Legislature; served as commissioner for Sanitary District 6. Appointed to the town board in March after the retirement of Joseph Kearney.

Employment:
Attorney specializing in real estate and municipal law.

Platform:
      With a majority of his district falling under the heading of "unincorporated," Ambrosino believes his few months on the board have afforded him a great deal of insight into the problems facing his district. "Illegal housing and our commitment to curbing it stands out in my mind," says Ambrosino, who believes the measures the town has taken to make it easier for town inspectors to cite illegal renters are key to solving the problem.
      Ambrosino, also aware of the importance of environmental issues to voters, believes that he and the town have made it a point to address the problems. "We have and continue to work toward reducing the use of pesticides and artificial fertilizers by our park crews," he said.
      Ambrosino says the "marble cake" of government on Long Island is a complicated process, and that his experience in many of the layers gives him a unique understanding of how to deal with issues. "Especially," he said, "in regard to zoning in unincorporated areas. I am a full supporter of a 'smart growth' effort in revitalizing downtown areas."



George Bassias
Democrat
Lives in West Hempstead

Experience:
First race for public office. Has been active in the Democratic Party since switching from Republican four years ago.

Employment:
Private practice attorney.

Platform:
      Bassias has taken issue with the fact that while the Town of Hempstead has been financially healthy for years, the county continued to suffer until recently. Saying that the town's mailings to homes are "excessive," Bassias believes such "bragging" while the county was in crisis was "unsettling."
      Bassias believes balance must be restored to the town board, saying that many voices in his district are not being heard and that the extreme 5-1 majority doesn't allow for debate.
      Bassias agrees in principal with tougher measures on illegal renters, but says that illegal housing is "a symptom of the problem" of the lack of affordable housing in the area, and that homeowners with illegal rental units should be forced to bring houses up to code.
      Despite the town's move toward safer chemical use, Bassias remains concerned with the state of the environment. "For years the use of pesticides and their effects have not been properly addressed," he says, promising to tackle the issue head on.

3rd Town of Hempstead Council District

The 3rd TOH District includes Atlantic Beach, East Atlantic Beach, Cedarhurst, Elmont, Inwood, Hewlett, Lawrence, North Woodmere, Valley Stream, Woodsburgh, Woodmere, and parts of Franklin Square, Lynbrook, Malverne and North Valley Stream.



James Darcy
Republican incumbent
Lives in Valley Stream

Experience:
Mayor of the incorporated Village of Valley Stream from 1994 to 1998, state assemblyman from 1998 to 2000

Employment:
Attorney

Accomplishments:
      Darcy is most proud of his action to enable five areas within the 3rd that were unserved by a library district to regain library service. He is also proud that he makes sure that the district gets its fair share of town services and improvements. In the incorporated areas of his district, where the town has limited interaction, Darcy says he is working on "cooperative agreements" between villages and the town that will mean lower costs for village taxpayers on roadwork and other projects.
      Darcy also said he is proud of the town's cell phone program, done in conjunction with the National Council of Jewish Women. The town collected more than 7,000 donated phones, reprogrammed them, and gave them to seniors and disabled people so they can call 911 in emergencies.
      On the issue of illegal apartments and their burden on municipal services, Darcy said the town has passed code revisions creating new inspection rules and techniques that enable code enforcers to rely on external appearance to justify the issuance of summonses.



Vincent Grasso
Democrat
Lives in Valley Stream

Experience:
Graduated SUNY Stony Brook in 1997, business administration and political science.
Member of the Gibson Civic Association and the Valley Stream ethics board.
Has been a Democratic committeeman and community representative for County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi and U.S. Rep. Carolyn McCarthy.

Employment:
Registrar at the county Board of Elections
Member of the U.S. Naval Reserve, working in naval intelligence

Campaign statements:
      Grasso has said he is running to present his views that "the town should be doing better." On the environment, he said that "we should become more proactive on the environment and use more biodegradable pesticides." He has said that "community is the most important thing" and that he has the experience and enthusiasm to do the job.
      In his campaign for the state Assembly last year, he said, "Our area is a changing community and we have to keep an eye on it ... Our roads are becoming congested. We're taking urban problems and answering them with suburban answers. Eventually people are going to move out. My vision is to turn back the clock while looking forward to the future. Fixing the damage that is done while not becoming extremist about it."

5th Councilmanic District race

      The race for the Town of Hempstead's 5th Councilmanic District pits incumbent Angelina Cullin (R-Freeport) against Jeff Gold, of Bellmore.


Angelina Cullin
      Angelina Cullin says her experience and ability to provide constituent services make her the right choice for the seat. Cullin speaks of the myriad local projects she's taken on in the Bellmores and Merricks, from road rehabilitation initiatives, to helping bring businesses to blighted sections of the community, to downtown revitalization efforts.
      Cullin was the first woman to serve on the Hempstead Town Council. She later became the town's receiver of taxes before running once again for the council three years ago and defeating incumbent Democrat Rita Kestenbaum, of Bellmore.


Jeff Gold
      Jeff Gold says he is running to reform town government by reducing patronage and offering a dissenting voice on the council, which comprises five Republicans and one Democrat.
      Gold contends that town taxes could be lower if not for rampant patronage. He also charges that the town council doesn't solicit enough public input on the issues.
      Gold, a member of the Nassau County Board of Assessors, is an attorney in private practice.