Town of Hempstead residents have been well served by James Darcy, and the Herald urges voters in the 3rd council district to re-elect him next month.
Darcy, a Republican, brings extensive experience in government to the council. Before his election to the town board in 2000, he served as mayor of Valley Stream, where he helped turn a $900,000 budget deficit into a surplus of nearly $1 million. Because the 3rd District has many incorporated villages, Darcy's experience as a leader of village government makes him a better councilman. He is a strong advocate of finding ways for the various municipalities to work together, such as on road projects.
Darcy also spent a term in the state Assembly, where he learned about the range of funding opportunities available to townships.
He gives back to his community in many ways, including his sponsorship of a Little League team in Valley Stream. He helped secure $20,000 for uniforms, which made other funds available to build a field at the Howell Road School.
Darcy prides himself on being able to help citizens find the right government agencies to address their concerns. Given the taxes homeowners pay, he says, people are entitled to first-rate service from their government.
A lifelong Valley Stream resident, Darcy understands the issues facing his community, as well as those of the surrounding hamlets and villages in the 3rd District, which encompasses Atlantic Beach, Cedarhurst, East Atlantic Beach, Inwood, Hewlett, Lawrence, North Woodmere, Valley Stream, Woodmere and Woodsburgh as well as parts of Franklin Square, Malverne and North Valley Stream.
His opponent, Democrat Gary Carlton, is a strong candidate with a demonstrated commitment to the district. He's been a hard worker for causes, such as the North Woodmere parks, that have benefited the community. He helped found the North Woodmere Park Foundation, which raised money for park projects where the county budget fell short. Like Darcy, he has also spent his entire life in the district, and brings considerable energy to the race. He, too, has a desire to improve his community and ensure that its residents are well served by their government. Entering this race late put him at a disadvantage against the better-known incumbent. We hope Carlton continues to look for ways to serve and we applaud what he already accomplished.
Both candidates in this race are qualified, smart and eager to serve. But besides being all those things, Darcy has the advantage of years of experience in elective office, which should continue to benefit his 3rd District constituents.
