By Andrew Hackmack
The Town of Hempstead has earned Wall Street’s top credit rating, Murray noted, which has saved taxpayers $2 million in interest payments. “We are sensitive to our taxpayers’ needs,” she said.
Murray said that with the expectation that fewer residents will be taking vacation this year, now is a critical time for the town to provide quality recreation opportunities at its parks, beaches and senior centers. “We want to make sure that we have wonderful alternatives for our residents,” she said. “You can have a full-time job just taking part in the free programs.”
Santino, the town’s senior councilman serving the 4th District, which includes Baldwin, is seeking his fifth term. He noted that every other level of government is raising taxes but not the Town of Hempstead, calling it a “taxpayer friendly” community.
Hudes has represented the town’s 6th Council District since 1999. He noted that the town is only about 10 percent of a homeowner’s tax bill, yet it is where about 90 percent of one’s services are provided. “People are happy with the Town of Hempstead,” he said. “You came here, and everybody else came here for one reason –– to improve the quality of life.”
Bonilla said that the best ticket to buy right now is not Mets or Yankees, but the Town of Hempstead. He thanked all those who attended last week’s rally and said he is happy to associate himself with Murray, Santino and Hudes. “I’m proud to say I’m part of that team,” Bonilla said.
In what was a likely preview of a major campaign issue, a few people in Islanders gear attended the campaign kick-off to rally support for the Lighthouse project. One supporter, holding a sign “Build the Future,” shouted “Kate, You’re the Death of Long Island.”
Nassau County Republican Chairman Joseph Mondello addressed the Lighthouse supporters saying, “They’re being paid by Charles Wang, that’s what’s going on.” Wang is the owner of the New York Islanders.
Katrina Doell, a spokesman for the Lighthouse project, refuted Mondello’s assertion. “There was nobody paid to be there,” she said.
Murray, who announced that she is, in fact, an Islanders fan, stated that she and the council members are open to progressive development but it must be done right. “We won’t be bullied,” she said. “The health, safety and welfare of our residents is of the utmost priority of everyone on the town board.”
She also noted that small businesses need to be supported and that can be accomplished through downtown revitalization programs. She noted that projects have already been completed or are under way in nine Town of Hempstead communities. “We have to help our mom and pop businesses now more than ever,” she said.
Mondello urged voters to support Murray and her team for re-election this November because they are looking out for the interests of the residents. “Freedom from oppressed taxation –– that’s how our country started,” he said. “We are the only government here in Nassau County that’s fiscal conservatives.”
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