All Things Political: A great experience in losing effort

The Island Now

Campaign season has finally come to a close.  

While I came tantalizingly close to winning the election for the New York State Senate’s 7th district, there is no second place in politics. 

I just wanted to acknowledge everyone who supported me, from volunteers who made phone calls and knocked doors, to those who attended events and donated to my campaign. 

Thank you.

My staff was the best in the business. 

Working tirelessly because they believed in what I stand for: good public schools, safe communities, efficient government and a clean environment. 

I can’t thank them enough for their dedication and hard work. 

Although I was outspent by more than 2-1, in the most expensive New York State Senate race in history, and Republicans came out en masse to elect a new president, we almost pulled it off.

I am thankful for my wife Renée, who believes in me and supports me in anything I do, and to my two children, Stephanie and Ethan, who were supportive of the endless days I dedicated to this campaign. 

I appreciate all the support local and New York State community leaders, organized labor and grassroots organizations gave me. 

I am overwhelmed by the love, support, time and energy from my friends and family locally and from around the country.

It was a privilege to spend the last nine months, full time and seven days a week, listening to your concerns, trying to find solutions and meeting your families. 

During the campaign I attended 200 events, knocked on approximately 5,000 doors, made 2,300 fundraising phone calls and wrote a plethora of articles about how to make our community a better place.

I attended services in churches, temples and mosques, met residents who have been here for generations and others who just arrived, and came to the following realization — all Long Islanders want the same things: a safe community, good public schools and a lower tax burden so they can afford to live and stay here. 

Residents also want corruption to end. They want to believe their elected officials have their best interest at heart.

It’s amazing that in such a small area district, less than a third of Nassau County, there are so many local issues. 

Westbury is in desperate need of funds to upgrade their overcrowded schools. 

Port Washington needs a parking garage so commuters can get to work. 

Floral Park is rightfully concerned about how the proposed third track will affect their picturesque community. 

Groundwater pollution is a constant threat, and airplane noise throughout the district is disrupting the quality of life.

Although I didn’t win the election, I remain steadfast in helping Long Island in any way possible. 

Let’s hope we can get the necessary capital from Albany we need to improve our infrastructure. 

I wish Elaine Phillips good luck in her quest to represent our community in Albany.

In closing I simply want to say thank you. 

Thank you for sharing your concerns on your doorstep, thank you for attending civic meetings to ask questions and thank you for coming out to vote.

I love Long Island and I’m hopeful that our best days lay ahead.

By Adam Haber

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