Nassau County Legislature District 16
Description:
Candidates (choose 1):
Arnold W. Drucker
Party: DEM, WFP
Biographical Info:
Campaign Phone: (516) 262-3862
Campaign Web Site: https://www.arniedrucker.com
Campaign Email: Re.Elect.Arnie@gmail.com
City/Town of Residence: Plainview
Prior Civic Service: N/A
Questions:
Q: What two or three specific actions would you take to help reduce the real estate tax burden on Nassau County residents?
A: As a Legislator, the role that I play in County government is to support efforts to build affordable housing to the County so that young millennials are eager to move back here to take advantage of all of the wonderful attributes we have like our beaches, our parks, our many cultural and recreational venues, and our incomparable shopping. We also need affordable housing to keep our seniors here when they can no longer manage maintaining a house. By doing so, we will build our tax base with this infusion of capital and recurring revenue which will help keep our taxes more affordable for our residents. That is why I am supporting responsible and transparent Hicksville Revitalization as well as the Seritage Project (Sears Property) and the Syosset Park Project. I am also working closely with the Curran Administration to monitor the re-assessment of all properties in Nassau County so that we finally achieve a defensible tax roll and the County will no longer be hampered and burdened by the millions of dollars in tax grievance refunds it has had to pay for the last 9 years because of the corrupt and dysfunctional tax assessment system that was put in place by the Mangano Administration.
Q: On a Scale of 1-5, with 5 being the most and 1 being the least, how much do you consider climate change an important issue, particularly how it may affect Long Island (i.e. flooding, erosion, rising sea levels)? What steps would you take to address this issue?
A: I consider climate change to be a “5”, a serious priority. I have met with medical and environmental experts to explore the possibility of pursuing legislation which would limit the use of gas-powered leaf blowers, which would, in turn, reduce the amount of harmful emissions into the environment and would reduce the amount of nitrogen entering our water. I have worked with the Plainview Water District and I am working to secure additional funds through the Community Revitalization Project funding to help address water quality issues. I have also worked with local advocates and water quality experts like Sarah Meyland and the Groundwater Protection Project to protect our aquifer. I have attended LICAP meetings and hearings and met with County Executive Curran to express my concerns at LICAP’s failure to create a regional groundwater management entity, which was required in the original legislation granting their charter.
Q: What will you do to increase resident involvement in the decision-making process in Nassau County?
A: In order to increase public participation, I have held multiple Town Halls and Community Forms regarding issues that are important to residents, such as meetings about public safety, roads and infrastructure, and a public meeting called “All About Assessment,” in which I brought the County Assessor to the community to answer residents questions about assessment directly. I will continue my commitment to holding these meetings regularly. On a regular basis, I hold “Ask Arnie: Constituent Call Time” evening hours, which are publicized on social media along with other opportunities for public meetings, to encourage residents to call in and voice their opinions on community issues and matters before the Legislature. In my recently yearly newsletter, I have included upcoming dates for legislative sessions, and I have frequently encouraged and worked with residents who wish to voice their thoughts to all 19 Legislators to attend these meetings.
Q: What specific steps will you take to ensure more transparency?
A: Since I have been in office, we have been successful in establishing the office of Inspector General and hiring a very competent person who is providing the necessary oversight with respect to procurement and contracts in order to root out any conflicts of interest and corruption at the outset. I have also been successful in my advocacy for the Curran Administration and the various County Departments to provide just about everything online so that taxpayers can see where their tax dollars are going. As a Legislator, all contracts over $1,000. have to come before the Legislature for approval, and the RFP or bidding process is completely open so that there is necessary oversight.
Jennifer L. Garber
Party: REP, CO
Biographical Info:
Campaign Phone: (516) 721-1710
Campaign Web Site: https://www.facebook.com/GarberforNassauCountyLegislatorDistrict16/?__tn__=kC-R&eid=ARAluluBu3aOMF4PmladLDt_jyH3kFtYnyJthgHAHCv49GOrxHpeWS6kth41anQOqlP-5gSI84_Ial-f&hc_ref=ARRO8mp8zsgppvFWAwyYye648L0T
Campaign Email: jenniferlgarber@gmail.com
City/Town of Residence: Plainview, New York
Questions:
Q: What two or three specific actions would you take to help reduce the real estate tax burden on Nassau County residents?
A: First and foremost, we must hold the line on property taxes and oppose any measures to increase our already burdensome property taxes. To make this goal a reality, we need to be vigilant in ensuring our government and its agencies are run efficiency, with appropriate but controlled budgets. We also need to pursue all sources of revenue available. In addition, we must encourage economic growth in our County. This includes promoting economic growth, which will increase our tax base. The Nassau HUB is one such project and should be a model for further economic development.
Q: On a Scale of 1-5, with 5 being the most and 1 being the least, how much do you consider climate change an important issue, particularly how it may affect Long Island (i.e. flooding, erosion, rising sea levels)? What steps would you take to address this issue?
A: Climate change is an extremely important issue, and given our geographic location, has substantial impact on Long Islanders. For this reason, I would rate climate change as a number 4 impact. Sustainability and conservation are a priority. I applaud the Legislative Majority and its support for the ban on Styrofoam containers, which pollute our fragile ecosystem. As a Legislator, I would support measures to ban environmentally harmful substances and work with local businesses to formulate more sustainable long-term goals using more environmentally friendly products. I would also encourage County agencies and services to “go green”.
Q: What will you do to increase resident involvement in the decision-making process in Nassau County?
A: If elected, I plan to hold town halls, both in person and online, making myself available and accountable to constituents, both in and out of election years. I will also actively encourage constituents to attend Legislative sessions, and make information concerning dates and times available to them.
Q: What specific steps will you take to ensure more transparency?
A: I would certainly support legislation to increase transparency and accountability by both Legislators and Nassau County employees. I back the Legislative Majority in its efforts to compel transparency from the County Executive and Department of Assessment. The public should know what bills are being proposed before they are passed. I pride myself on being an open book, and I will advise constituents of important issues on modern platforms that are easily accessible to a large audience, including, but not limited to, social media platforms.
