The Town of North Hempstead’s Democratic slate of candidates pitched themselves to voters at a press conference Wednesday, pledging to continue on what they described as former Town Supervisor Jon Kaiman’s strong financial legacy and improve town services.
Nassau County legislators Judi Bosworth (D-Great Neck) and Wayne Wink (D-Roslyn), who are running for town supervisor and town clerk, were joined by Town Councilwomen Lee Seeman (D-Great Neck) and Viviana Russell (D-New Cassel), who are seeking re-election, along with newcomer Sid Nathan (D-Garden City Park, who is seeking his first term, as they unveiled a five-point list of policy priorities ahead of the Nov. 5 elections.
“We’re here ready to build on the foundation of that’s been established over at least 10 years under the leadership of former Town Supervisor Jon Kaiman,” Bosworth said. “Collectively, look at this team. You’re looking at a group of individuals who have decades of experience serving the public.”
Bosworth is facing off against Town Councilwoman Dina De Giorgio (R-Port Washington) and Wink is running against current Town Clerk Leslie Gross (Manhasset), who switched to the Republican line after town Democrats failed to renominate her for the positions. Nathan is challenging incumbent Town Councilman Angelo Ferrara (R-New Hyde Park), veteran incumbent Seeman is opposed by Great Neck-based attorney Jeff Benjamin (R) and Russell is facing Westbury Republican Anthony Bulzomi.
Bosworth introduced the five-point policy plan, with preserving the town’s financial performance at the top of the list. Bosworth said the town was at its highest ever bond ratings and said a Democratic administration would try to maintain services while holding the line on taxes.
“All of this was achieved under a Democratic administration and it must be continued,” Bosworth said.
Wink, who embarked on a brief primary campaign this summer for the Democratic county comptroller nomination before leaving that race and running for town clerk, also emphasized the importance of protecting North Hempstead’s financial health.
“It’s of paramount importance, I believe, that we continue to continue these high levels of services and the quality government – the quality transparent government – that North Hempstead has come to expect for our residents,” Wink said.
And Nathan focused on the role of technology, calling for a “Town Hall 2.0” that would use smartphone and Web applications to connect residents to government.
“Judi Bosworth, Wayne Wink and the Democratic team are for that,” said Nathan, who served as a public affairs officer for the town before announcing his candidacy.” “We value technology. We know it will decrease costs while increasing efficiencies.”
Bosworth also promoted the revitalization of downtown areas in North Hempstead – a point emphasized by Seeman, who described her efforts on beautification projects in Great Neck.
“What I love is the bringing of art to our district and the beautification of the stores in the downtown area of Great Neck,” Seeman said. “If you go to Great Neck you’ll see the most beautiful art on Middle Neck Road near Maple Street and even at the station.”
Bosworth also highlighted environmental preservation and the protection of the town’s drinking water, saying she had heard support for preservation from residents during public hearings. She also voiced support for expanding senior services, including Project Independence, and investing in infrastructure and road projects.
The candidates were joined by elected Democratic officials not running for office, including Town Councilwoman Anna Kaplan (D-Great Neck) and Town Councilman Thomas Dwyer (D-Roslyn Heights).
Seeman, running in the fifth district, represents North New Hyde Park, Garden City Park, Floral Park and the villages of Saddle Rock, Great Neck Estates, Great Neck Plaza, Russell Gardens, University Gardens, Lake Success and other unincorporated areas. Russell’s first District includes New Cassel, Carle Place and the Villages of Westbury and Old Westbury, and Sid Nathan is seeking to represent Garden City Park, Mineola, Williston Park and parts of New Hyde Park in the third District.
